My New Home

Sahel Academy

I will be teaching second grade at Sahel Academy.  The school year starts August 13th and ends June 6th.  I will have about 17 students as the only second grade teacher.  Here are a few facts about Sahel Academy:

Sahel Academy’s Mission Statement: 

“The Mission of Sahel Academy is to develop students through a holistic education of the highest quality while nurturing a Christ-like character and a heart of service..”

· Sahel Academy is a day school for grades K-12.

· Priority is given to the enrollment of the children of missionaries, with up to 30% non-mission enrollment.

· The students are taught and learn in English.  However, for many of them, it is not their first language.

· Sahel began in September, 1986 to meet the needs of local missionaries and now serves other families, as well.

· In Arabic, the word “sahel” refers to the “shore” of  the Sahara’ Deserts sea of sand.  It is VERY hot.

Niger, West Africa

Sahel Academy is located in the capital city of Niamey, Niger.  Here are some interesting facts about Niger:

· Niger is a landlocked country in Western Africa, named after the Niger River.

· Capital city:  Niamey

· Official language:  French

· Literacy rate:  17%

· Niger is the largest nation in West Africa, with over 80 percent of its land area covered by the Sahara desert.  Farming is made difficult because of the extreme heat and frequent droughts.  The economy of Niger centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits.

· According to the United Nations' Human Development Index (HDI), Niger is the least developed country in the world.

· Over 97% of the population is Muslim.  The Constitution of Niger allows for religious freedom.

· Average years spent in school:  Boys:  5 years; Girls:  3 years