The Zakat Foundation of America

The Zakat Foundation built a new computer lab for the students at Abdou Moumouni University in Niger’s capital Nimey.

New flooring, freshly painted walls, and standardized electrical work make this lab both comfortable and efficient for the students and faculty of the university Amedu Tijani, the Head of the Science Department, told our team, “You have provided us with a great gift. In this country where only 15% of the people can read and write, where most teaching is done under trees rather than in schools, where only ONE university exists, truly it is the best of gifts. It is like a rose in the middle of the desert. Thank you!”

As one of the poorest countries in the world, Niger is in dire need of innovative strategies to combat its economic and social woes. Located in the Sahara region, south of Algeria, it has been estimated by the United Nations and the World Bank that Niger is near total poverty. In 1993, 63% of the population lived under the poverty line and this percent increases steadily every year.