Why care about the future of Africa?

Project Salima operates in Niger, a landlocked nation in West Africa. Niger ranks as the 11th least-evangelized country globally and the least-reached in sub-Saharan Africa. The country consistently faces severe poverty and a rising threat of jihadist terrorism.

Niger, the largest nation in West Africa, is home to over 28 million people, encompassing 38 distinct ethnic groups, 30 of whom have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With 94% of the population identifying as Muslim, less than 1% identify as Evangelical Christians.

Niger is recognized as one of the world's poorest nations, where the majority of Nigeriens survive on less than $2 a day. Nearly 48% of children live below the monetary poverty line. The country ranks 189th out of 193 on the latest United Nations Human Development Index.

There are an estimated 12.5 million children under the age of 18 in Niger. 1 in 10 will die before celebrating their 5th birthday. 76% of girls are married before their 18th birthday, sometimes they are even forced to marry. 36% of girls ages 15-19 become pregnant. Nigerièn children continuously face malnutrition, recurrent disease epidemics and outbreaks, cyclical floods, drought, and displacement.

58.2% of the population in Niger are school-aged children. Only 8% of these school-aged children will register to attend preschool. One-fifth of children do not complete primary school. 93% of primary students cannot read or properly do mathematics. The literacy rates are staggeringly low, with only 42% of men and 14% of women able to read. 

Project Salima exists to give hope to the future; and to care for vulnerable children by providing support through education, nutrition, and medical care. When you donate to Project Salima, these devastating statistics decrease. Project Salima students not only have an opportunity to flourish in school but also hear the Gospel and know Jesus Christ, the only true Savior and Hope of the world.