The nomads of Niger –
the poorest country in the world -- have thrived in the desert for over a thousand years but today live a marginal existence. These unique cultures are threatened by drought and climate change. The nomads’ fertile pastureland has been taken for farming; they are forced to live in the ever more arid desert regions.  In a region where little aid is available, Rain for the Sahel and Sahara (RAIN) is a consistent presence. Our staff is all local people, our programs are the result of community brainstorming sessions – we are revitalizing communities assailed by poverty. They are ready to attain new skills, improve their lives. We all have much to learn, much to share – please join us.

RAIN’s mission is to improve the lives of children and adults through locally developed programs in education, water resource development, agriculture and AIDS awareness. These programs promote literacy and economic security while sustaining vital nomadic traditions.

• NEWS •

• RAIN's 2008 African Bazaar for Literacy is fast approaching and we're constructing an African marketplace where you can shop for wares made by nomads of Niger, enjoy appetizers with the taste of west Africa and bid on generously donated treasures including:

• An exquisitely refurbished 15th century monastery in Italy, is available for 8 winning bidders.  View "Rasina" (pictured above) on YouTube and relish the beautiful views and amenities awaiting you.  Get those auction arms ready because this is going to be a big seller!