The Governor of Maradi region, Contrôleur Général de Police Issoufou Mamane, presided over a ceremony on September 29, 2026, to celebrate the model villages in the region. The villages, selected under the Sultanate/Canons Friends of Children initiative (ISCAE), are located in the communes of Kornaka, Mayahi, and Guidan Amoumoune. This initiative aims to promote children's rights and improve access to basic services.
In May 2026, the Governor announced that 2025 had laid a solid foundation for community mobilization and traditional leadership in favor of children's rights. Building on these gains, the 2026 initiative focused on strengthening traditional leaders' capacity to improve sectoral indicators and access to basic services. The Governor also emphasized the importance of community-led initiatives, such as the "Niyya da Alkawali" approach, to promote collective action for children's welfare.
The results of these initiatives are impressive, with several villages in the three communes showing significant progress. The efforts have led to the construction of classrooms, latrines, and teacher housing, as well as the recruitment of volunteer teachers and provision of water connections. Additionally, healthcare infrastructure has been improved with the construction of maternity wards, patient shelters, and health center fencing.
The initiative has also focused on improving access to clean water, with the construction of wells, boreholes, and mini-potable water supply systems. Furthermore, the project has promoted social cohesion through the construction of mosques, cereal banks, and other community infrastructure. These efforts have contributed to a significant improvement in the living conditions of local communities.
The UNICEF has supported the initiative by providing grain mills to the nine model villages. These equipment aim to alleviate the daily tasks of women and young girls, as well as support local food transformation initiatives. The Governor highlighted the importance of these equipment in improving the lives of local communities, particularly women and children.
The celebration of model villages is a testament to the success of the Sultanate/Canons Friends of Children initiative in Maradi region. The initiative has demonstrated the potential for community-led development and the importance of traditional leadership in promoting children's rights. The Governor emphasized the need to continue these efforts to ensure sustainable development and improved living conditions for local communities.
The model villages have become examples of successful community development, showcasing the impact of collaborative efforts between local authorities, communities, and international organizations. The initiative has also highlighted the importance of investing in children's welfare and education to ensure a brighter future for the region. The celebration marks a significant milestone in the region's development journey.
Key points
- The Sultanate/Canons Friends of Children initiative has improved access to basic services, including education, healthcare, and clean water, in 9 model villages in Maradi region.
