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   BC Goes to Niger
A small group of students and professors from Bridgewater College are taking a trip to the West African nation of Niger this August. We are seeking community assistance, as we hope that it will provide not only a wonderful group educational experience, but also give us the opportunity to share what we learn when we return.

During the trip, we are planning to support an ongoing Peace Corps agricultural project by helping to construct a garden in a village of 3000 people in rural Niger. This village, along with much of Niger, is among the poorest communities in the world.

We hope that our visit, the gifts and supplies we will bring, our service project effort, and our sincere desire to learn will make a real difference in enhancing understanding and appreciation between our cultures.

Find out more

Donation Information:

A local church has generously established a fund for our trip, which allows donations to be tax deductible. Donations and gift certificates for supplies can be sent to Trissels Mennonite Church - 11246 Hisers Lane, Broadway, VA 22805. They should be labeled, "Niger Trip."

Niger Trip Items Requested for Donation:

  • School Supplies – “The school really lacks all kinds of critical supplies” Peace Corps Volunteer

    • Elementary education supplies of any kind

    • French picture and children’s books (only 10% of people in Niger speak French, but all primary school classes are taught in French.  Currently the school has one children’s book.)

  • Children’s Project

    • Disposable cameras

    • Tape recorder or MP3 player

    • Art supplies for personal art use

    • Art supplies for mural

    • Developing costs upon return from trip (Late August 2007)

  • Gardening Project in village of 3000

    • Seeds – vegetable and moringa

    • Pruners, Hoes, rakes, spades, gloves

    • Any other items suggested for low rainfall farming areas

  • Food Gifts

    • High protein breakfast bars

    • Similar light weight, high vitamin/calorie items

  • Medical preparation

    • Water purification tablets

    • Deet mosquito spray

    • New mosquito prevention patches

    • Sunscreen – Neutrogena 70+

    • Gloves

  • Documentation Project – Returning to the US and sharing information about Niger

    • Digital camera batteries

    • Digital camera (inexpensive)

    • Digital camera memory stick