Inspection Report of Maradi Humanists in Niger

Visiting Report
By: Usman Abdul (Chad)
Date: [14-08-2025]

I, Usman Abdul from Chad, undertook an official visit to Maradi, Niger Republic, to inspect and evaluate the progress of the humanist group coordinated by Madam Fatimata Hassan. This group has been a long-standing partner of HuMAN, a California-based charity organization that has previously funded up to four sustainability projects in the community.

Inspection of Sustainability Projects

During my visit, I conducted a thorough inspection of the four projects funded by HuMAN, which include:

Humanist Orphanage
The orphanage is fully operational and presently provides shelter, food, and educational support to vulnerable children. The facilities are well-maintained, and the children are actively engaged in learning activities. The orphanage has become a safe haven for many who would otherwise be left without care, fulfilling an essential humanitarian role.

Community Kiln
The community Kiln has proven to be a vital asset for the people of Maradi. It helps humanist artisans from different works of lives work productively and efficiently, thereby increasing their profits and experience. 

Ice-Block Business
The ice-block enterprise is functioning effectively as a small-scale income-generating project. It provides affordable cooling solutions to households and traders in the community, especially those dealing in perishable goods. This project not only supports the group financially but also benefits the wider community by improving food preservation and commerce.

Grain Silos
The grain silos are currently in active use for the storage of harvested crops, particularly millet and sorghum. They have enhanced food security by preventing post-harvest losses and ensuring year-round availability of grains. Members of the group expressed gratitude for this project as it stabilizes food supply during lean seasons and supports local farming activities.

Overall, I found all projects to be fully functional, impactful, and sustainable, with tangible benefits to both the humanist group and the wider Maradi community.

Meeting with New Humanist Women’s Group

During my visit, I also had the opportunity to meet with a newly formed group of humanist women in Maradi. I engaged them in a discussion on the principles of humanism, its values, and how it can empower individuals and communities. While some members demonstrated a good understanding of humanism, others only had surface-level knowledge. Nonetheless, the group showed great enthusiasm to learn and grow within the humanist framework.

I asked if they had held meetings before, and it was evident that they are still in their early stages of organization. We deliberated together on possible sustainability projects they could embark on with their upcoming grant. After a fruitful discussion, the group collectively concluded that establishing a milling factory business would be their priority project. This enterprise is expected to support women’s economic empowerment, provide affordable milling services for the community, and create a reliable source of income for sustaining their activities.

Closing Comments

In conclusion, my inspection and engagements in Maradi revealed a thriving humanist community in Niger Republic. The partnership between HuMAN and the local humanist group under Madam Fatimata Hassan has already yielded remarkable results through sustainable projects that uplift lives and empower the community.

However, despite these successes, there are some inadequacies that require attention. A few members of the new women’s humanist group showed only limited knowledge of humanism, which highlights the need for structured training programs and regular workshops to deepen their understanding. In addition, while the existing projects are running well, they would benefit from better record-keeping, monitoring systems, and periodic reporting to ensure transparency and long-term sustainability. Access to technical expertise, particularly for the kiln and milling factory, should also be considered to strengthen efficiency and capacity.

If these areas are improved, I am confident that the humanist movement in Niger Republic will not only thrive but also serve as a strong example of community-driven development and empowerment across the region.

Respectfully submitted,
Usman Abdul (Chad)