Dear Friends of the Azawak, 
     I send you holiday greetings from Niamey, Niger, where Denis, Fassely and I will be celebrating the season in over 100 degree heat with our friends.  Denis and I have been busy negotiating with contractors and working with a study bureau to build the Montessori Well of Love borehole in Kijigari.  If all goes as planned, we hope to begin drilling in February!  I will keep you updated as soon as we have more information.                                               

   
      In this season of giving, I am remembering the children. Amman Imman has always been about giving life to children. Yet it is the children of the Azawak who gave life to Amman Imman.  They inspired me and continue to inspire everyone along the way as the breath of our dedication.  More than we commonly acknowledge, children are amazingly powerful.  The children of the Azawak have now been united with students worldwide that have joined our mission as Heroes of Compassion.  All these children are now my main sources of inspiration, keeping me working in love and hope for my communities in the Azawak.

    To make your holidays a little warmer, I want to share a few stories from those that inspire me most, the children and breath of Amman Imman....

Happy Holidays! 
Yours for the children of the Azawak,


   

Odin - Our Youngest Hero of Compassion

Eight year old Odin insisted that he wanted to help children and animals in a West African country that suffered due to the lack of water.   Cornerspring Montessori teacher Cindy Scappaticci had no clue where he got this idea, but following his lead she searched the internet. She discovered Amman Imman.  The story of the people of the Azawak deeply moved Odin, but being shy he did not know how to express his deep feelings.  When Odin watched the video, Water Crisis in the Azawak, he had to turn away, "Because it was too sad", he said.   His mother encouraged him to share his sensitivity with his classmates.  "Your sadness will help you understand your passion," she said.

Odin made a presentation, bringing a tray with 18 clear glasses to his circle of classmates.  Everyone drank a glass of water.  Next, Odin  shared the struggles that the people of the Azawak endure by reading aloud the book Amman Imman - A Story.   The story of these beautiful people, living without the dignity of having water to drink, unfolded to the children through the simple and compelling words and photographs.

Teacher Cindy finds the term "Heroes of Compassion" very appropriate, "That's who these children are in their make up," she says.  By designating kids as Heroes of Compassion, their caring nature is validated.  For Odin, Amman Imman has been a vehicle for his own passion, and a way for him to feel and express his compassion.  It is a powerful acknowledgment for a shy eight year old to move people to action. Read the rest of Odin’s story on the Wells of Love blog: A young hero of compassion shares his passion and calls his community to action.

Andrea Manchester (8th grade) 

I chose this project because I believe that helping others less fortunate than ourselves is not merely an option, but a necessary course of action. It’s important to give back to the global community, particularly if you are born in a society that supplies you with both basic needs as well as whims. Some people wonder why I’ve chosen to help Amman Imman when there are humanitarian issues so close to home. My answer is simple: people in the Azawak aren’t getting help from anyone else. Specifically, I am addressing the Azawak’s desperate need for water. It’s a simple concept, really. The residents of that area have no water for ten months out the year, so I say let’s give it to them! Saving lives is an amazing thing, and by advocating for AI and helping to fundraise, I am helping to do just that. 

My participation in Wells of Love helps me to be a Hero of Compassion by encouraging me to motivate others in working towards a common goal, as well as helping me to realize that achieving the greater good takes more than a single generous soul. It’s helped me to learn that I’ll only reach my goals if I advocate for myself and take initiative. You’d be surprised by how few people can do that.

I learned that I don’t need an incentive to help others. It actually comes kind of naturally. I feel a want, if not an urge, to provide aid for those in need of it. It’s also helped me to realize how insignificant I am as an individual, that I can only do little things to work towards something greater. By dedicating myself to this worthy cause, and working collaboratively towards the boreholes, I set a long-term goal for myself. I encourage you to take this up, too!

Sebastian Ashley (8th grade)

The reason that I chose to work with Amman Imman was because I thought that this project was the most urgent and important. Some of the possible community service options had to do with helping the homeless or old, but this one helps those who are dying, and this project has very few people actually working as a staff or members, so they could use more help. Amman Imman is important because it helps the people of the Azawak’s need for water and also helps their economy.

By participating in Wells of Love I have become a Hero of Compassion.   In a small organization like Amman Imman, if you want something done then you can’t just sit around and hope someone else will do it for you. You have to take the initiative and become a leader. I have become more philanthropic because I now see how many people have given up prized possessions and much money for others, so I now see that the least I can do is give up a little spare time.

Read the entire story about Andrea and Sebastian on the Wells of Love blog: Super Heroes of Compassion

Please Donate and Get Involved!
 
The Heroes of Compassion in these stories are now a part of the breath that keeps Amman Imman alive.  

• Read more stories about our Heroes of Compassion on the Wells of Love blog
• Get involved with our Wells of Love service learning program
• Contact Debbie or visit our website to register and learn more about Wells of Love!
  

Eight year old Odin insisted that he wanted to help children and animals in a West African country that suffered due to the lack of water.   Cornerspring Montessori teacher Cindy Scappaticci had no clue where he got this idea, but following his lead she searched the internet. She discovered Amman Imman.    

The story of the people of the Azawak deeply moved Odin, but being shy he did not know how to express his deep feelings.  When Odin watched the video, Water Crisis in the Azawak, he had to turn away, "Because it was too sad", he said.   His mother encouraged him to share his sensitivity with his classmates.  "Your sadness will help you understand your passion," she said.

Odin made a presentation, bringing a tray with 18 clear glasses to his circle of classmates.  Everyone drank a glass of water.  Next, Odin  shared the struggles that the people of the Azawak endure by reading aloud the book Amman Imman - A Story . The story of these beautiful people, living without the dignity of having water to drink, unfolded to the children through the simple and compelling words and photographs.

Then, Odin filled the glasses again, but this time with muddy brackish water.  The children understood. No one wanted to drink that water.

Teacher Cindy finds the term "Heroes of Compassion" very appropriate, "That's who these children are in their make up," she says. 

By designating kids as Heroes of Compassion, their caring nature is validated.  For Odin, Amman Imman has been a vehicle for his own passion, and a way for him to feel and express his compassion. 

    

When Odin asked his friends if they wanted to join him in helping bring water to the Azawak, each child signed their name to his poster that declared:  Yes, we will help you with your water project.

At Odin's insistence, the class held a bake sale.  Parents and children together baked cupcakes.  The bake sale was a huge success, bringing out the generosity of the small Cornerspring community in supporting their children's desire to help the children of the Azawak with their water problems.   Odin watched in amazement as all the baked goods arrived and were sold. When told how much money was made, he exclaimed.  "You mean we get to send $170 to Africa?  I can't believe it!"  

Teacher Cindy reports, "There is much meaningful and generous work happening in our school. Children of all ages working together and soliciting help from families! The  sense of supporting others can be felt through all of it. It's very contagious: a friend of my husband's, who owns a record store in a nearby city wants to know how he can help - he is so impressed with the compassion and motivation being displayed. He has offered to make a donation or to put a container on his counter so his customers can make donations. How clear it truly is, that the children can lead us to discovering (or remembering) our true selves!"

What a powerful acknowledgment for a shy eight year old to move people to action.......It is never too young to be a Hero of Compassion...

Dear Montessori friends and friends of the Azawak,

With your help, a message of hope initiated by students will begin to take shape in Niger this holiday season.  Last Friday, Ariane, Denis and Fassely left for Africa to begin construction on the first Montessori Well of Love in the village of Kijigari (read Ariane's update here).  For the past three years through our Wells of Love program, our Heroes of Compassion have expressed their desire to make a difference in the world by raising awareness and funds to bring water to the people of the Azawak. This borehole, the 3rd deep structure resulting from Amman Imman's work in the region, is one of many more that will be needed to fulfill the needs of the half million people who live there. For the students who have been helping it will be a tangible manifestation of their actions.   

You can help these students fulfill this promise.  While enough money has been raised to drill, as of today Amman Imman will only be able to put up a temporary system for the people in Kijigari to access the water.  This in itself is tremendous.  But more funds are needed for the faucets and animal troughs.

I know that times are tough for many right now, but most of us reading this email do not suffer the indignity of having to leave our homes when water in the nearby marsh runs dry.  We simply turn on a faucet.  By joining forces through Wells of Love, students around the world have raised almost $90,000. Another $90,000 is needed to finish the job.  You can help complete their efforts. Students around the world have shown us what can happen when everyone pitches in.  Here's what you can do:

• Make a donation in dedication to our Heroes of Compassion.  Tell your friends and family about the situation in the Azawak and ask them to help. 
  

• As a business owner your sponsorship will receive additional exposure through our new media partner, 1050 am Air America Washington. Your financial support will not only help us to aid the people of the Azawak, but will assist us in publicizing our efforts and your involvement. Contact me for details.   

• Get your schools and community groups involved by  downloading a registration form and joining Wells of Love.   Ask them to get involved in Wells of Love projects and campaigns, like A Walk for Water and Amman-athons. Use the tools in our school philanthropy kit.

You can make it possible for this circle of hope to go all the way around.   We promise we will turn your dollars into water.  

I share with you some of the activities of our Heroes of Compassion who have been keeping me pretty busy over the last several months (read all the posts here or go to these links):

Students at the Boyd School discover the power of asking: Boyd School Heroes of Compassion: Asking to Make a Difference

Two students talk about what being a Hero of Compassion means to them:  Super Heroes of Compassion

A student takes the lessons of compassion and making a difference, and put them into action at her new school: A Hero of Compassion

A teacher and her children organize a benefit carnival: Amman Imman Wells of Love Carnival: Children Helping Children

There are several more stories to be told from schools in Maine, Virginia, Massachusetts, and our newest Wells of Love school, the American School of Paris in France. Also, we are working on special packages for schools to easily execute sponsorship fundraisers through A Walk for Water and an Amman-athon.   Please stay in touch with the Wells of Love blog and the Amman Imman website for updates and opportunities.

Breaking news:  Ariane, Denis and Fassely arrived safely in Niamey, Niger to temperatures soaring close to 100 degrees F, and this is the cold season!

In hope and peace,
Debbie


--
Debra Kahn
Associate Director, Amman Imman: Water is Life
Wells of Love, Program Director
www.waterishope.org
http://www.waterishope.org/Wells/intro.html
montessori-amman-imman-project.blogspot.com

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 Dear Friends of the Azawak,

This Friday, Denis, Fassely and I fly across the Mediterranean and the Sahara, to Niger, to begin work on the construction of the Kijigari borehole.   This Montessori Well of Love, built by the love and perseverance of our Montessori Heroes of Compassion, will be dedicated to our beloved late Dennis Hamilton to honor him for initiating Amman Imman’s collaboration with students.

We depart having just received two extraordinary gifts! The first is a wonderful endorsement by renowned actress and humanitarian activist Mia Farrow, who as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador has already done so much to bring attention to the genocide in Darfur and the refugee crisis in Central Africa. Today, I am proud and humbled to announce that she is lending her voice of support to our efforts to bring hope and stability to the Azawak. In her own words:  

      "I would like to add my voice to those who champion the work of Ariane Kirtley in the Azawak region of Niger. Together with her husband Denis, Ariane is facing daunting challenges to bring the children of the Azawak a future other than the abhorrent condition of daily thirst they experience today. I hope those who are in a position to support this remarkable young woman and her organization Amman Imman Water Is Life, will do so  before the half a million inhabitants of the Azawak become displaced throughout the sub-region, triggering further strife and suffering."

      -- Mia Farrow, Actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

I personally would like to thank Ms. Farrow. Her support is a great boon for all of us.

The other gift came to us all the way from Australia, from longtime supporter of The Friendship Caravan, songwriter Vanda Franey. Inspired by our efforts to bring water to those who have none, Vanda wrote a song, "Well of Love" in honor of Amman Imman. I encourage you to listen to it here, Vanda's song. 

I would like to propose that "Well of Love" become the anthem for the building of our next borehole, which I talk about further below. 

Flush with this good news, it pains me to also say that we have not raised the full amount of funds necessary to build the Kijigari borehole. I realize times are particularly difficult, but we have faith that the holidays will bring in bountiful gifts.  Your generosity and support have already taken us so far, and I appeal to everyone to be especially charitable this year.  I will echo Mia’s words:  those of you in a position to lend a hand this holiday season please do, so that we may have water flowing for the children of Kijigari by the end of February.  Please take a moment to make a donation: Donate to Amman Imman

I leave you with Vanda's lyrics ringing in our ears, offering encouragement for our never-ceasing efforts:

Half a million babies cry

Deep in sandy desert lie,

NO WATER in the region

Water is life - - AMMAN IMMAN

Water is Life - - AMMAN IMMAN

Human Nature holds the key

Of timeless generosity

Water is Life - - AMMAN IMMAN

Say a prayer on desert land

That God will give a helping hand,

This is your dream - - AMMAN IMMAN

This is your dream - - AMMAN IMMAN

Thank you once again for making our work for the children of the Azawak possible!

With love and peace,

Ariane

What happens when you ask for something?

A couple of weeks ago I presented Amman Imman and the Wells of Love opportunity to a group of 13 middle school students at the Boyd School.  The Boyd School consists of five campuses in Northern Virginia with a total of around 400 students.  Boyd offers students the benefits of an enriching  Montessori curriculum that fosters the developement of "a life-long love of learning, a strong social conscience, and a spirit of discovery and independence as they pursue their full academic and personal potential."

For the last three years,  under the direction of teacher Rodney Berthold, Boyd students have been bringing these values to fruition through their partnership with Amman Imman.  Since Fall 2007, when middle school students attended the Global Citizenship Action Project conference in New York City,  the Boyd middle school class has been educating their community and raising funds toward a Well of Love.

It was at GCAP  that 7th grader Maya heard Ariane Kirtley describe the tribulations that the people of the Azawak face due to the lack of water in the region: children fetching minimal amounts of muddy water left in drying marshes over the 9 month dry season,  people traveling unheard of distances (35 miles in a day) in search of water, half of the children dying due to illnesses associated with dehydration. Maya took Ariane's call for help to heart and solicited sponsors for A Walk for Water in the spring 2008. Her initiative propelled the rest of the school to further action.   Maya and her fellow Boyd students joined other schools in raising $12,000 toward a Well of Love.  Diligently continuing their outreach in spring 2009, Boyd students organized their own A Walk For Water at their local park, raising money and gathering support with the help of students from their various campuses.

Maya has since graduated, but Rodney Berthold still refers to the lessons that Maya brought forth. "If you want something, you have to ask for it," he tells the students.

For 2009-2010,  these middle school leaders are asking all the students in the five Boyd campuses to play a big role in helping the people of the Azawak gain access to water.  They are  ramping up their efforts by investing their time and energy in fundraising campaigns and project presentations.  During their community service week this fall, they made crafts for their Hand in Hand campaign which they plan to sell to the school community at their Holiday Fair.  In the upcoming weeks and months, they will do presentations for younger students in the school. In May, these Heroes of Compassion plan to lead the entire community in a comprehensive school-wide fundraising event.   Older students will collect sponsorships for A Walk for Water and younger students will improve their athletic skills while raising funds in an Amman-athon.

Our Heroes of Compassion are discovering that they have the power to make something happen.  It starts with asking.