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UPDATE 3.28.14: RAIN is overwhelmed with gratitude after learning that John & Lee have pledged another $10,000 for the Learning Center! Stay tuned for a special “thank you” to the Lamsons from our ALC students.
John and Lelia Lamson have been a part of RAIN ever since Bess Palmisciano first visited Niger in 2000 – in fact, they were her hosts for the fateful trip that would plant the seed of our partnerships with nomadic communities. John is a former U.S. Embassy officer and Lee has served on our Board of Directors for several years. As Niger residents, John and Lee experienced firsthand the immense potential of Nigeriennes, matched only by the immense challenges they face daily.
The Lamsons have awarded a grant of $10,000 for the Agadez Learning Center – a place where nomadic students, especially girls, can be supported in order to attend middle school – an opportunity not usually available to rural communities.
Says Lee: “We’ve long admired RAIN’s creative and cost effective approach to supporting primary schools with School Market Gardens. So, we were excited when RAIN opened the Agadez Learning Center and dormitory that allows nomadic students to furthur pursue their education. We can’t think of a more meaningful way to put our donation dollars to work than to help provide an educated future for the youth of Niger.”
The center’s ongoing expenses are about $1,000 per student per year, including room, board, guardians, tutoring, uniforms, books, tuition, and medical care. The center will have 25 students enrolled in 2014. In addition to providing ongoing support of the students, this grant will go a long way in bringing in our mentoring program to provide guidance and practical skills training and in creating a seed fund for those who graduate and go on to high school.
Ever since the early days of RAIN, John and Lee Lamson have helped to make our life changing programs a reality. Over a decade later, we’re honored to continue putting their passion into action for Niger.
