by Giles & Carol Knight, Zinder, Niger
18 September 2005

In May of 2005, SIM British workers Giles and Carol Knight, in partnership with the UEEPN (Union of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Niger) set up the "Food for Work" project. Reaching three villages and three districts of Zinder in Niger, West Africa, the project helps family heads who are not directly assisted by other food relief efforts. Men willing to work are paid in food, helping whole families. This gives the men dignity and helps to affirm them in the traditional Hausa family structure as the "breadwinner" (millet provider!).

While the project concluded, the Knights felt the need to start a new project in early August. With harvests not due until late September, food shortages remain. (We thank God for excellent rains over the last few months which should bring a plentiful harvest.)

The new Food for Work project enables unemployed men to repair a well in a nearby village (photo right) and to build a perimeter wall for a Christian School that is under construction (photo left). In addition, a sand-blocked road is being cleared by a team of deaf and dumb men. All of these efforts are fully funded; such has been the remarkable response from kind donors. Thank you!

Recently, villagers turned up in the hundreds to give the Knights newly harvested beans in gratitude that "Food for Work" repaired their well. Others have quietly expressed their thanks. Each day, men are waiting outside their door to work.

Not only in Niger, but across the world, SIM workers are showing Christ-like compassion in word and deed to suffering people. Longing to follow Christ's example, SIM is committed to addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals. Our holistic programs are always developed in partnership with local communities and churches who effect change at the grassroots level. Two thousand years ago Christ came to rescue and redeem the whole person. This is the same hope we get to bring to those in crises today.