On February 20-24, a delegation including CDA, a.i. Susan N’Garnim, Director of Public Diplomacy Stephen Dreikorn, Public Diplomacy Officer Lily Fryer, and English Language Fellow Rainer Zawadski visited the commercial city of Agadez, a crossroads for travel on the edge of the Sahara. The delegation participated in conducted courtesy calls and participated in grant programs implemented by Nigerien partners that consisted of English teacher training, women economic development, and sports diplomacy.  

English Teacher Training  

Through the support of Fulbright alumni and English teacher Laminou Lawali and American Corner Agadez Director Magagi Hassan, 28 novice and experienced English Language teachers received training focusing on student-centered approaches like cooperative learning and the importance of inquiry methodology. Training also consisted of an overview of STEM curriculum instruction in schools. Africa is projected to have the largest 25- to 35-year-old workforce by the year 2035. The need to consistently incorporate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into curriculum is evident from anticipated employment opportunities.  

Economic Development  

Niger Business Angels network received a grant from U.S. Embassy Niger to train 100 Nigerien women entrepreneurs, 26 in Agadez, through a program entitled Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Cross-Pollination to Boost Inclusive and Sustainable Economy. The program accomplishes the following two (2) objectives through regional training, coaching, and mentoring.  

1. Train women entrepreneurs on how to pitch and sell their businesses by developing medium- and long-term financial and business plans.
2. Incorporate American business and economic theory and practice into the training curriculum. 

In cooperation with Niger’s national basketball association (Fenibasket), the Public Diplomacy Section organized a three-day basketball camp for approximately 100 participants, 11-15 years of age. The camp culminated with a basketball tournament among four female basketball teams from Zinder, Maradi, Birnin Konni and Agadez. 

Sports diplomacy uses the universal passion for sports to transcend linguistic and sociocultural differences and bring people together. Participation in sports teaches leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that help young people succeed in all areas of their lives. The Embassy’s sports diplomacy programs in recent years have focused on basketball and soccer clinics for youth from marginalized communities. Learn more here: https://eca.state.gov/programs-initiatives/sports-diplomacy