Niger hosts thousands of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) who have fled conflict, violence, and instability in neighboring areas.
Tensions often run high in communities where refugees, IDPs, and local hosts live side by side. Scarce land for farming and grazing has fueled disputes, and families have faced discrimination when accessing services like schools and health centers.
For many young people, growing up in this environment means facing conflict before they ever experience peace.
Among them is Fatouma, a fifth-grade student and refugee from Mali. She remembers the challenges of living with constant tension.
“One day, one of our animals strayed into the field of a local farmer. He insulted me and called me all sorts of names. At the health center, too, people often looked at us with contempt.”
Like many children her age, Fatouma tended her family’s animals and balanced her time between school and household duties. But unlike many, she was determined not to let conflict define her future.
With support from Good Neighbors Niger, UNHCR, and KOICA, Fatouma joined learning sessions on peace, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence. She also participated in an awareness caravan organized by the Ouallam Municipal Youth Council, which included plays, radio programs, and community discussions.
“This training allowed me to learn about the benefits of peace and social cohesion, and I try to put this training into practice all the time,” Fatouma shared.
"The hope of peace is in us."
“I have made many friends among the local population and displaced persons. We used to hate each other, but now we share and play together.” Fatouma shared.
Soon after, Fatouma was named a “Peace Ambassador.”
“We call on the project and Good Neighbors to continue the training for the benefit of young people.” Fatouma said.
Fatouma’s story is part of a much wider transformation taking place in Niger. Through the KOICA project, 200 refugee, IDP, and host community youth have already been trained to lead social awareness campaigns and volunteer activities. Together, they organized their first large-scale campaign in collaboration with the Ouallam Municipal Youth Council, bringing communities together to discuss peace and cooperation.
In addition, the project supported four more awareness-raising campaigns led by Community Development Committees, further spreading the message of peaceful coexistence across the region.
By giving young people like Fatouma the tools, training, and confidence to lead, Good Neighbors and its partners are fostering a culture of coexistence that goes beyond one village or one school.
Good Neighbors is committed to ensuring all children worldwide can enjoy their rights. We work tirelessly to empower children to assert their rights, support parents and neighbors in protecting children, and engage communities in child protection efforts. By doing so, we’re listening to our future and investing in a better world for all.
Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian and development organization founded in 1991, working in over 50 countries to make the world a place without hunger and where people live in harmony. Engaging with over 200 communities globally, we empower people and transform communities through social and economic development initiatives. Good Neighbors has General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 1996.
For further information, please contact Good Neighbors Global Partnership Center.
Good Neighbors is a global NGO dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities in over 50 countries.
Good Neighbors has held a General Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1996.
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