Le Gouverneur de la région de Diffa, le Général de Division Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma, conducted a significant field visit to the department of Mainé-Soroa on Saturday, August 15, 2026. This visit was specifically dedicated to discovering several achievements of the FOUNDATIONS project and to overseeing the handover of educational and sanitary materials to beneficiary structures within the region. During his full inspection, General Bagadoma visited the 'Espace sûr' (Safe Space) site located in Sabon Gari, Mainé-Soroa. The primary purpose of this detailed visit was to assess firsthand the tangible achievements and ongoing impact of the FOUNDATIONS project within the Diffa region. The Governor concluded his activities with a courtesy visit to the chief of the canton of Mainé-Soroa, reinforcing local partnerships and acknowledging community leadership. This engagement formed an integral part of a broader inspection of project implementations under his jurisdiction, noting the regional administration's commitment to monitoring development initiatives.
Project Goals and Scope
The FOUNDATIONS project is a multi-year initiative, meticulously planned and generously financed by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. Its implementation is a collaborative effort, undertaken by a strong consortium of experienced organizations. This consortium includes Save the Children, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Songes, FAD, and Sickkids, bringing together diverse expertise to address complex development challenges. The project's overarching aim is to appreciate and assess the effects of interventions specifically targeting adolescent girls, women, and their communities. These interventions are strategically designed to focus on critical areas such as empowerment, full sexual and reproductive health services, strong protection mechanisms, and equitable access to essential services. Geographically, the FOUNDATIONS project intervenes strategically in the regions of Diffa and Maradi within Niger, addressing specific local needs and vulnerabilities. Beyond its operations in Niger, the project extends its vital work to two other countries facing similar developmental challenges: Mali and Sierra Leone, demonstrating a broad regional commitment.
On-the-Ground Activities Observed
During the Governor's inspection in Mainé-Soroa, beneficiaries of the FOUNDATIONS project actively presented various activities and outcomes supported by the initiative. These demonstrations offered a direct and compelling view of the project's impact on local communities. Among the showcased activities were practical skills development workshops, providing participants with valuable vocational training. Sewing workshops were also prominently featured, noting income-generating activities designed to empower participants economically and foster self-sufficiency. These presentations showed the project's commitment to equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary for improved livelihoods.
Following the engaging beneficiary presentations, a simulation of the Gender Roles, Equality, and Transformation (GREAT) approach was conducted at the Commune urbaine of Mainé-Soroa. This particular simulation specifically focused on addressing the widespread issue of drug addiction, showcasing one of the project's innovative intervention strategies. The event provided valuable insight into the full methods employed by the FOUNDATIONS project to tackle community-specific challenges, including social and public health issues. The GREAT approach aims to foster positive behavioral changes and address underlying social determinants of health and well-being.
Governor's Remarks and Impact
The Governor's visit was specifically dedicated to observing several key achievements of the FOUNDATIONS project and overseeing the formal handover of key educational and sanitary materials to beneficiary structures. As part of these tangible efforts to improve public health and hygiene, hygiene kits were formally donated to the Mainé-Soroa health district, directly benefiting local health facilities and communities. The overall objective of the FOUNDATIONS project in Niger is profoundly important: it seeks to strengthen the empowerment of adolescent girls, particularly focusing on those who are identified as most marginalized and vulnerable within their communities.
A full study connected to the FOUNDATIONS project in Niger played a key role in identifying specific vulnerabilities within the target population. This in-depth research noted several pressing issues that the project aims to address. These vulnerabilities included concerning rates of drug consumption among youth, significant hygiene problems impacting public health, instances of early pregnancies, the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and various forms of violence affecting adolescent girls and women. The project's interventions are strategically designed to directly confront these identified challenges, offering support, education, and resources to mitigate risks and foster a safer, healthier environment for the most vulnerable members of society. By addressing these complex issues, the FOUNDATIONS project strives to create lasting positive change and enhance the well-being of communities in Diffa and Maradi.