Students in North Carolina, Baltimore and New Jersey have rallied to help fistula women at the National Hospital, and children exposed to the deadly disease of malaria. IOWD is so proud of these students ... from third graders to high school students to medical students ... all aware that they have the ability, by raising funds, to actually help others who desperately need our assistance.

Duke medical student, Nora Dennis, determined to make a difference in the lives of fistula women, has raised thousands of dollars for IOWD! Nora arranged a concert by the well known performer, Mamadou Diabate, and also convinced a yoga teacher to offer special classes for people who would donate to the fistula program. Both events were very successful!

Having raised all these funds, Nora wanted to "experience" meeting and working with the fistula women. In May, with permission from Duke University Medical School, Nora traveled to Niger and spent 6 weeks working with Dr. Abdoulaye at the National Hospital. It was an amazing opportunity for this young woman ... one that she will never forget! Nora spent time assisting Dr. Abdoulaye and interviewing the patients. She gathered essential social information about the women ... asking them different questions about their present situation and what they expected for themselves in the future. The patients came to trust Nora and comfortably told her their stories ... stories that would break our hearts.

IOWD congratulates Nora Dennis on her accomplishments and wish her the very best of luck in her medical career!

Medical student and concert organizer, Nora Dennis; Mamadou Diabate; and fellow student organizer, Sarah Pradka.	Nora with children in a nearby village.

In Baltimore, third graders at St. John's Parish Day School raised money for malaria nets for students in Niger. It turned out to be more than just raising money ... it became a real learning experience!

From Director of Development, Sharon Runge:

"As a part of the 3rd grade curriculum unit on Africa, Mrs. Green's class raised over $600 for malaria nets. After learning about the deadly disease from Dr. Michele Germain (2nd grader Alex Pellegrini's mom) who went on a medical mission trip to Niger, the 3rd graders decided to take action. Selling beaded bracelets made by Niger women at Spring Carnival and holding a lemonade and bake sale, the students exceeded their goal to purchase over 400 malaria nets. The raised money will be donated to the International Organization for Women and Development who will purchase and deliver malaria nets on their next trip to Niger. In celebration of their accomplishment, the 3rd graders invited a member of the Niger Embassy in Washington, DC to visit St. John's. Mrs. Hadjio, first councilor, visited in May and talked with the students about life in Niger. After lively questions by our students, Mrs. Hadjio enjoyed a tour by our students. The students presented her with a certificate, a St. John's bag and a mug."

St. John's students students with flag of Niger.	3rd Graders at St. John's School selling bracelets made by fistula women.
Mrs. Greens 3rd grade fund raisers!

In Moorestown New Jersey High School, students in the Interactive Club raised $2,000 to purchase mosquito bed nets for their peers at the CES Rive Droite High School in Niamey. We were able to purchase 400 hundred treated bed nets ... and 400 children (and probably siblings who share the beds) now have the ability to be protected from the bites of infected mosquitoes!!!

To all the adults and students who were involved at Duke University Medical School, St. Johns Parish Day School and Moorestown High School ... we offer our sincere thanks for your hard work to raise funds for Nigerien women and children.

CES Rive Droite student, Mahamadou, receiving a mosquito net from IOWD Peace Corp Volunteer, Briana.	Ces Rive Droite High School students thanking IOWD Director, Ira Margolies for all the mosquito nets.