Amman Imman Unites Nigerien and U.S. Children Through Its Service Learning Program: 

Wells of Love is the service learning program of Amman Imman: Water is Life. Amman Imman is dedicated to improving and saving lives among the poorest and most severely threatened populations of the world by supplying permanent sources of water in the Azawak of West Africa.

Wells of Love empowers students as "Heroes of Compassion" - future leaders with a caring, philanthropic spirit - by engaging them to help bring water and hope to the 500,000 children and adults living in the Azawak. 

Wells of Love Goals:

·      Uniting students, young people of all ages, from preschoolers to university students, as caring philanthropists, or “Heroes of Compassion” capable of turning their empathy into direct action through collaborative and individually initiated efforts.

·      Increasing awareness among students about some of the most crucial humanitarian and environmental issues of our time, including the global water crisis and climate change directly affecting the lives of the people living in the Azawak of West Africa.

·      Shaping tomorrow’s leaders as global activists and problem solvers, affecting change and finding positive solutions to some of our world’s most challenging problems. 

·      Raising funds towards building numerous “Wells of Love” thereby having long-lasting and significant impact on the lives of the populations of the Azawak. 

           With YOU and Wells of Love  !

When Suzanne Stork first heard about Amman Imman’s work with Montessori students, it touched her heart. “This is a project that inspires children to use their talents and creativity by empowering them to make a difference,” she says. While working with Ariane’s photos of children in the Azawak in preparation for a presentation to young children at Aidan Montessori, the school where she works, Suzanne was deeply moved. “Each photo evokes a personal connection, a feeling of oneness and commonality. These children have the same needs and feelings as my children. Their eyes and smiles reminded me of my own daughters,” says Suzanne.

Ariane with Suzanne and daughter Sarah

“Today, our children are bombarded with problems in the world. Amman Imman Wells of Love provides an opportunity for children to reach out to children who live far away and to make an incredible difference in their lives. As we begin to see through the eyes of another, we realize our common humanity and interconnectedness. Children see that although the people of the Azawak live far away, they hope and dream just as they do.”

It was this sentiment that inspired Suzanne to bring the Friendship Exchange to the children at Aidan Montessori. “This was an opportunity for children at Aidan to directly reach out to and connect with children in the Azawak, who they’ve been helping with their water problem." The Friendship Exchange not only shared gifts of beautiful beaded bracelets, but also shared photos and special messages between the kids of two vastly different cultures. “This took the children beyond charitable giving, and into a true heart-to-heart exchange,” says Suzanne. The children in the Azawak experienced the same heart-to-heart connection, becoming aware of children across the world in America who are essentially just like them.

In addition to coordinating the Wells of Love project at Aidan Montessori, Suzanne has taken an active volunteer role in the Amman Imman organization, helping to organize A Walk For Water and other activities. In fact, Suzanne’s entire family has been inspired. Her children, Hannah and Sarah, wanted to help, and so they organized an Amman Imman Benefit Carnival in a park near their home. They invited some high school students who made friendship bracelets and Hannah used her artistic skills for face painting.

Hannah painted beautiful designs for the children attending the Carnival.

Virginia high school students make friendship bracelets at the Amman Imman Carnival.

Ariane Kirtley, Amman Imman’s founder and director, her husband Denis Gontero, Niger Program Coordinator, and their small son Fassely, were in town to attend as well. Together with Wells of Love program director Debra Kahn, Ariane used small puppets to tell the story of the people of the Azawak, while Denis played the balafone.

Denis Gontero with son, Fassely.

“The project speaks to my heart because it involves children helping children. It’s simple and simply beautiful,” says Suzanne.

(from left to right) Fassely,Hannah, Kevin, puppy, Suzanee, Sarah, Ariane, Denis, Debbie