Amman Imman: Water Is Life, Latest News

This installment, as well as the next I’ll be sending is dedicated to the amazing students across the world that have raised over $100,000 since 2006 to bring water to their thirsty friends in the Azawak. These students, moved to join our Wells of Love program through love, compassion, and a deep understanding for humanity, are saving lives among the world’s most vulnerable. David, a dedicated eighth-grade Hero of Compassion iterates, “You may work a mile, and you can have life, or walk a mile and give life.” This simple yet intrinsically powerful phrase encompasses the philosophy that motivates our Heroes of Compassion. With our Wells of Love program that heralds our army of Heroes to action, Amman Imman does more than simply raise money for the Azawak. As Debbie, Wells of Love Director says, “The potential here is greater than raising money. We are raising kids. We are raising kids to understand that their effort impacts the world, that what they do, even if they can do only a little, goes a long way… But it doesn't end there...we are also giving a chance for children in the Azawak to reach their potential, and their dreams.” ...(read more here)

Ariane is congratulated by Kijigari Village as water flows for the first time in centuries!

What did Kijigari contribute toward the construction of their Montessori Well of Love?
The villagers of Kijigari contributed close to $1000, over 50 men in manpower for two month’s time, and they built over 4,000 clay bricks with local sand and gravel. With these resources, they constructed an adobe shelter for the borehole’s engine, as well as a 40 meter long and 8 meter wide wall that surrounds the borehole. The wall protects the borehole from possible damage that animals and villagers could cause. It also keeps the area around the borehole clean. Eventually, the women plan on growing a vegetable garden within the wall parameters. Men also provided labor to the hired construction companies, in order to reduce our overall construction costs....(read more here)

Many people have asked me how long a borehole can last. This answer is entirely dependent on how well the borehole is managed. In fact, establishing the proper stewardship and management of the borehole over the long run is arguably one the most challenging and rewarding components of our work. It is also one of our top priorities. Depending on how well a borehole is managed, it can last anywhere from a century or more, to just a couple of years. To help ascertain the longevity of the Kijigari borehole, Amman Imman helped establish a Water Resource Management Committee (WRMC) of responsible and trained Kijigari citizens. These individuals were elected democratically by the villagers, but were first chosen based on established criteria...(read more here )

On The Kijigari borehole tale continues as the Montessori Well of Love begins to operate. If you missed the first installment, you can read it here. Read below how you too can help provide the gift of life. On the day the new water faucets opened in Kijigari, all the villagers stood, waiting impatiently carrying as many jerry cans as they could manage – tied to their waist and balanced on their heads, and more hooked onto their donkeys. With a little gurgle and then a swoosh, the first faucets came to life, purging their pipes of the life giving liquid. Whistles of jubilance bellowed through the crowd.

Children, adults, and even the livestock drank and washed in the pure and plentiful water. Families from neighboring communities rode in on donkey carts to fill their numerous empty household jugs. Hope emanated from their eyes as they brushed off spider webs and layers of dust from their containers – proof of the long months that they had sat empty. They too knew they would no longer face the daily fear of thirst... (read more here)

This Spring our Heroes of Compassion in the USA and France proved mightier than a world recession, and more determined than the plight of hunger and drought facing the Sahel. As students dutifully walked, dribbled basket balls, hoola-hooped, jumped rope, and jumping jacked in A Walk for Water and Amman-a-thon events, our team in Niger launched the construction of the water tower, faucets, and troughs in Kijigari. With this year’s drought in Niger proving more devastating than previous years, and families relying on eating dirt to fill empty bellies, the gift of water, hope, and life arrived in the nick of time for the Kijigari community. Every step, dribble, and jump established the foundation for a new brick or piece of equipment, as slowly the long awaited structure of life rose above the parched marsh and thorn-covered acacia trees, ready to bear life giving water. By the end of June, the miraculous day happened when newly elected Zalika, of the Kijigari Water Management Committee proudly opened the first operational water faucet ... (read more here)

Ariane and Fassely at 2010 Lake Frank, A Walk for Water

On May 15, 2010, Amman Imman: Water is Life held the 4th annual A Walk for Water at Lake Frank in Derwood, Maryland. More than 200 people, from several schools and organizations, walked over 3 miles around the lake in solidarity for the children and families in the Azawak who walk over 30 miles in a day for water. This year some special guests joined the students and their families. Ariane Kirtley and her son Fassely were in town directly from Niger, where Ariane and her husband Denis have been working for the last 5 months. Her presence meant a lot to the students who have been supporting Amman Imman over several years. Finally, they had the chance to meet the person who has dedicated her time and energy to bringing water to the Azawak of West Africa. By her example, they are learning about their own boundless capacity to change the world... (read more here)

Every year the 6-9 year old students at the Oneness-Family School look forward to their springtime Amman-a-thon fundraiser. Teachers Madhavi Ray, Sondra Dorsey and Shawn Harrity keep the enthusiasm alive all year by informing students about progress in the Azawak via Amman Imman's updates. The students learn about the effects of water scarcity and climate change on the population. They understand that they are the foundation of a grassroots movement that is bringing water and making a tremendous difference in people's lives. By the time the Amman-a-thon comes around in May, the students are duly inspired to practice their athletic skills that will enable them to raise funds. This year the 6 part story of how the people of Kijigari were waiting for their borehole to be finished moved them and motivated their practice. Their enthusiasm was further rewarded by a visit from Amman Imman's founder and director Ariane Kirtley, visiting in the Washington, D.C. area directly from Niger to attend a reception for a gallery exhibit of her photos at the Bing Stanford in Washington Art Gallery and and A Walk for Water events. ... (read more here)

Mary Ohren runs 60 miles for Amman Imman

Wearing a shirt featuring traditional Tuareg embroidery from Niger, Oakland native Mary Ohren ran 60.85 miles around Lake Merritt on Saturday, pounding out lap after lap for 12 hours without a break. It was a feat that put her at the top of the women's rankings — and fourth overall — in the Pacific Coast Trail Runs Lake Merritt Half Day marathon. But for the people Ohren was running for, 60 miles is nothing at all. A former Fulbright scholar whose hydrogeology research took her to Niger in 2004-05, Ohren was running to raise funds for the people of the Azawak valley, a parched plain at the edge of the Sahara whose half-million residents walk up to 30 miles a day in search of water. Because the groundwater there is so deep — and because rainfall has dwindled from five months to one month annually in just a decade — one of every two children in the Azawak region of Niger dies before the age of 5. ... (read more here)

We recently received a donation totaling $4308.65 from Five Oaks Academy in Simpsonville, South Carolina. The dollars raised symbolizes the tremendous spirit of these 42 students, their passionate teacher and their generous community of givers. Throughout the school year in various fundraisers some sponsored by the Wells of Love program, the students raised $614.50. In May, 41 students took part in an Amman-a-thon raising $3,694.60 by turning cartwheels, jumping rope, dribbling a basketball and engaging in other athletic activities. Teacher Bonnie Benthall sent us this letter ... (read more here)

Over 600 students at the seven Boyd School campuses in Chantilly, Virginia took action to save lives in the Azawak of West Africa this spring. Upper Elementary students in first grade through middle school participated in A Walk for Water at a local park, while the younger students, ages 2 through 6, held Amman-a-thons at their schools. This is the third year that Boyd School students have worked alongside Amman Imman: Water is Life to raise funds. With the support of their teachers, parents, friends and neighbors, the students raised over $4,000. ... (read more here)

Parkview Montessori Middle School students were proud to participate in A Walk for Water on May 7, 2010 to raise money for Amman Imman: Water is Life. The students walked 3 miles around the track at their school, in solidarity for the children of the Azawak who during their 9 month dry season must walk or ride a donkey over 30 miles in a day searching for water. While the children in the Azawak do not have a choice but rather must walk for water to survive and help their families, the Parkview students chose to walk together and raise funds, joining a growing movement of students working together to bring water to this vast region. ... (read more here)

African studies came to life dramatically for the elementary students at Sunset Hills Montessori School in Reston, Virginia this year. Along with learning about African biomes and exploring through various Montessori cultural materials, the students had an opportunity to realistically align themselves with children in the Azawak region of West Africa. Upon learning about the tremendous hardships endured by the children and families due to an absolute lack of water, the children were empowered to take positive action. When the school community understood the depth of the problem and realized that through Amman Imman's unique work in the region they could help, everyone jumped right in. ... (read more here)

A recent letter from Bonnie Benthall, teacher at Five Oaks Academy in Simpsonville, South Carolina shares a little about her community's response and experience during their Amman-a-thon fundraising drive. The Amman-a-thon ties together athletics, math and philanthropy, providing students with a first-hand experienceof how practice adds up to something concrete and powerful. Dear Debbie and Ariane, In the next few days you will be receiving our donation for Amman Imman totaling $4,308.65! I am so proud of our students!... (read more here)

Every year Montessori of Maryknoll in Glen Ellyn, Illinios, a home-based Montessori school, reaches for the heart of compassion in their young students. As the students learn about the desperate need for water in the Azawak valley, the school holds a fundraiser for Amman Imman: Water is Life. The young students at the school get involved by preparing baked goods at home, growing plants at school, and then having a sale. This year, the students raised $221.30..... (read more here)

All who attended A Walk for Water last Saturday enjoyed gorgeous weather on an absolutely perfect day as we walked a three mile, scenic course around Lake Frank. Aidan families and faculty joined eight area schools as we walked together in support of Amman Imman’s efforts to bring sustainable sources of water to the 500,000 people of the Azawak region of Niger.... (read more here)

The Friendship Caravan announces Amman Imman’s transition to become a 501(c).
Dear Friends of the Azawak,
Anahou and Mariama Washing

As things move forward preparing to build the Kijigari infrastructure here in Niger, exciting news also comes from the United States. The Friendship Caravan and Amman Imman: Water is Life are proud to share our new organizational developments. Since February 2006, Amman Imman has been operating as the humanitarian program of the 501c3, The Friendship Caravan. Under the tremendous leadership of its originating organization, Amman Imman grew and greatly expanded to the point of establishing flourishing operations in America and in Niger. Thanks to this success, Amman Imman has developed the strong foundation necessary to launch itself as an independent organization and is currently applying for 501c3 status. Amman Imman: Water is Life and the Friendship Caravan will continue to collaborate to bring water and hope to the populations of the Azawak. Among the first things they have done together is the drilling of the Montessori Well of Love in the village of Kijigari. .... (read more here)

Dear Friends of the Azawak,

I am excited to share with you our most recent adventure drilling of our Kijigari Well of Love. Denis Gontero – Amman Imman’s Niger Program Director, and my husband -- returned from the bush with amazing and inspiring stories, as well as photos and footage to share our newest tale of relief and change. Before I go any further, let me start by saying that although the borehole has been successfully drilled, it has yet to provide the people with the abundant water it is capable of producing. This is the wrenching irony, and where the story turns from inspiration .... (read more here)

Finally, a calm moment under the cool shade of a mango tree to share with our exciting news: early this week begins the construction of the Kijigari Montessori Well of Love, dedicated to our dear late Dennis Hamilton!! Denis will travel up to the Azawak tomorrow to supervise the construction.

The mothers and children of Kijigari impatiently await pure and permanent flowing water in their home. Denis was there just two weeks ago with the construction companies and the department of hydraulics conducting last minute studies. The shallow wells dug in the dry marsh that surrounds the village had already dried, leaving no water to drink. The children are leaving the school one by one in search for water, and the women’s garden cooperative has closed. Read more here

December 3, 2009

ACTRESS-ACTIVIST MIA FARROW ENDORSES AMMAN IMMAN AS PREPARATIONS FOR THE MONTESSORI WELL OF LOVE BEGINS IN NIGER..


	Ariane and Michael Kirtley with Mia Farrow Sullivan Awards Dinner, Washhington DC, October 2009

Dear Friends of the Azawak,

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 geno

cide 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 Read more here.

November 2, 2009

ARIANE'S UPDATE: ARIANE TALKS ABOUT RECENT NATIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE, THE OPENING OF WELLS OF LOVE AND MORE.

Dear Friends of the Azawak,

As you can see from the many recent emails, Amman Imman is broadening its reach through the media and our new service learning program - Wells of Love! Please read our most recent news: Read more here.

October 27, 2009

NOW YOU CAN HEAR ARIANE KIRTLEY'S OCTOBER 23RD INTERVIEW WITH MONTEL WILLIAMS ON AIR AMERICA RADIO SHOW "MONTEL ACROSS AMERICA

Highlights from this great interview:

"What do we have to do to make people in America understand that no matter how bad it is for us, there are still people that are worse-off, and we still need to do our part because that to whom much is given, much is expected." - Montel Williams
Read more and listen to the interview

October 22, 2009

ARIANE'S UPDATE: ARIANE KIRTLEY TALKS ABOUT UPCOMING AIR AMERICA INTERVIEW WITH MONTEL WILLIAMS, THE EMERGING TANGAWARSHANE OASIS, A RESULT OF OUR BOREHOLE DRILLING.

Washington, D.C., USA.

I want to remind you to listen live to my interview with Montel Williams on Air America, this Friday at 1120AM EST. Also, I invite you to view the video of my recent interview with national talk show host Jack Rice on our Amman Imman blog. As you'll see in my welcome letter below, Julie Snorek is now the USA Operations Coordinator for Amman Imman. Last August, Julie returned to Niger, a place where she lived as a Peace Corps Volunteer from 2005-2007. Continue here.

October 17, 2009

AMMAN IMMAN FOUNDER ARIANE KIRTLEY
INTERVIEWED ON AIR AMERICA RADIO SHOW "IN THE CROSSHAIRS

Washington, D.C., USA.

Named 34th most important radio broadcaster in America in 2008 by Talkers Magazine, award winning journalist and correspondent, Air America radio journalist Jack Rice has chased stories around the world. In this interview he talks to Ariane Kirtley, founder and director of Amman Imman: Water is Life. Jack’s interview with Ariane gets right to the heart of the matter. He says, “Every so often I come across someone who inspires me. Someone who makes me want to do more or be more.” He is talking about a conversation he had with Ariane, which lead to this interview. (read more here about the interview)

October 07, 2009

Ariane's update: Amman Imman in the Media!
Founding Director gets interviewed on Air America's Montel Williams Show,
Tangarwashane Vision becomes emerging oasis!

Washington, D.C., USA

An Emmy Award-winning host for one of the longest-running talk shows in history, Montel Williams has presented challenging issues to American households for the past 17 years. With Amman Imman, Montel is tackling two of the most important issues of the century - water scarcity and climate change. Together we will discuss Amman Immanand how the children of the Azawak are the human faces of climate change today. (read more here about upcoming interview and more)

August 21, 2009

Ariane Kirtley is Changing Lives:
Founding Director Featured in Major New Book

Washington, D.C., USA

Ariane Kirtley, Amman Imman's Founder and Director, has been featured in a major new book "Changing People's Lives While Transforming Your Own: Paths to Social Justice and Global Human Rights" by Jeffrey A. Kottler and Mike Marriner published by Wiley Press.

Says Kirtley "It was such an honor to have been interviewed about my work with Amman Imman. My inclusion in this book came about in a most unusual way - on a routine business flight, our dearly departed Dennis Hamilton just happened to be seated next to Mike Marriner, one of the book's co-author's. The two of them became immersed in conversation about Amman Imman and Mr. Marriner was so intrigued by Dennis' enthusiasm that he called to speak with me directly just a few days later. The book discusses how I founded Amman Imman despite all odds...(Read More Here)

May 18, 2009

Partnerships and Progress in the Azawak

AZAWAK Region, NIGER

Dear Friends of the Azawak,

I am relieved to report that my dear husband Denis has finally returned from Niger after spending the last month working with our local team in Niger. Fassely and I had to return home early due to the unbearable heat and a dangerous meningitis outbreak. Denis remained behind to finish up all the last minute work for Amman Imman in the field. Several positive developments took place over this past month in Niger...(Read More Here)

May 9, 2009
International Relief and Development (IRD) comes to Tangarwashane

TANGARWASHANE, NIGER

The international non-profit organization, IRD recently began working in the Abalak region of the Azawak. The organization has chosen Tangarwashane as one of the villages where it will intervene. (Read More Here)

March 22, 2009
Amman Imman Team visits Tangarwashane and chooses new site at Kijigari
from Ariane Kirtley

NIGER—Dear Friends of the Azawak,

I hope that this email finds you well! Our Amman Imman team recently returned to Niamey from a rewarding couple of weeks in the Azawak. Debbie has already gone home to the United States, and Denis, Laurel and I are developing partnerships with organizations. We are also keeping busy negotiating with contractors. (Read More Here)

February 23, 2009
Amman Imman Team in Niger and traveling to Azawak
from Ariane Kirtley

NIGER—Dear Friends of the Azawak,

I write you on this hot and dusty evening in Niamey to tell you that Amman Imman's international team arrived safely in Niamey, Niger and will be traveling to the Azawak in a few days to prepare for the future drilling of "The Montessori Well of Love" Borehole. (Read More Here)

February 4, 2009
DC Area Montessori Students Bring Water to 25,000 People In Africa

NIGER—Poised to build its second borehole well in Niger’s Azawak Valley—a vast region in the middle of the country that is quickly drying up —Amman Imman’s executive director, Ariane Kirtley, and a team of volunteers will travel to Niger to conduct a feasibility study and find an optimal spot to start drilling.(Read More Here)

Daecember 5, 2008
USA Program Coordinator and Redesigned Website!
from Ariane Kirtley

I write to you from the United States where I have been living and working since September. Over the course of these last couple of months, many exciting transformations have occurred within Amman Imman: Water is Life that have strengthened our organization and increased our ability to support fundraising activities. This update tells about several of these recent developments including the hiring of our USA program coordinator, the development of our newly reconfigured website and our upcoming plans…(.Read More Here)

October 17, 2008
A Tribute to Dennis Hamilton, Amman Imman's Associate Director
from Ariane Kirtley
On September 16th, Amman Imman lost one of its dearest and most devoted friends, Dennis Hamilton.

Dennis was not only Amman Imman's Associate Director, and one of the organization's greatest assets, he was also my mentor and best friend. In many ways, it is largely thanks to his love, encouragement and help that I discovered the Azawak.....(Read more here)

August 22, 2008
Photo exhibit opening at Murphy Arts Gallery, August 7, 2008
from Julie Snorek
A small, but very interested crowd gathered in Murphy Arts Gallery in Keene, New Hampshire on Aug 7th for the opening of Amman Imman : Water is Life - Bringing Water and Hope to Where There is None, a photographic exhibit of the work of Ariane Alzhara Kirtley in the Azawak of West Africa. There was a lot of interest and praise for our work. People kept pointing out the great importance of this exhibit. Many said it is an interesting, sad story and that they were transported to Niger's Azawak. So far, from sales and donations we've received $1,500.

Next steps: I will be giving a talk about my experiences in Niger and Amman Imman on Aug 28th, 7:00 p.m. in the gallery. We'll set out Nigerien mats and carpets and invite those who are daring to drink Tuareg tea, served by a Berber friend, Jamila. The Kiwanis Club will be coming on Sept 3rd to hear me speak about Amman Imman. The gallery exhibit is open until Sept 15th.

August 8, 2008
Article from Keene Sentinel by Nicole Colson
Walking 30 miles a day might sound like a long distance normally, but in many parts of the world, it is the norm because it’s the only way to get water for the family. “Amman Imman: Water is Life, the photography of Ariane Alzhara Kirtley,” is the latest show on display at Murphy Arts, at Keene’s Colony Mill Marketplace.

Download PDF of entire article

July 7, 2008
The Least Green Country on Earth
from Newsweek by Scott Johnson
Niger scores 6 on the 100-point green index, last among all nations. Several hundred head of camel, sheep and cattle shoved and bustled in the blistering afternoon heat to get closer to the well. Many of them were crying and braying from thirst.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/143697

June 6, 2008
Pictures from A Walk For Water 2008 in Maryland
from Debra Kahn
A Walk For Water, a walk for children by children, May 17, 2008

Read more here

June 1, 2008
Choosing Action : A Walk For Water
Yields Big Payoffs
from Debra Kahn
On a beautiful Saturday in May, students from schools in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area came together to lend their support to the people of the Azawak by participating in A Walk For Water. After a week of drenching rains, the sky radiated clear blue and the sun shined brightly.

Read more here