Economic inclusion at HI

Key figures: economic inclusion at HI

• In 2022: 75 projects were dedicated to inclusive education, including 42 of which this was the main component.
• More than 140,000 people were directly supported in 2022.
• The three countries in which HI is most involved in economic inclusion are Niger, Madagascar and Mali.

3 questions for Toudjani Souley Kouato, socio-economic inclusion officer in Niger

What effects does economic inclusion have, particularly in Niger?

Most economic-inclusion projects aim to lift households out of extreme poverty or boost communities’ resilience to food insecurity. These projects, therefore, have a major effect on the life of the population and especially on those who are often left behind, such as young people, people with disabilities and migrants. In Niger, however, more than 10 million people (41.8% of the population) were living in extreme poverty in 2021¹. Furthermore, according to the United Nations, nearly 3 million people could be facing severe acute food insecurity² in the country by the summer of 2023. Economic inclusion projects are therefore even more vital in a country such as Niger where all the indicators are at red.

What is the basis of your commitment to these economic-inclusion projects: why do you “believe” in them, what motivates you?

I believe in them because I serve humanity. These economic-inclusion projects allow me to help improve the living conditions of some vulnerable population groups – people with disabilities in particular. And it is this change in people’s lives that motivates me the most.

What is your most memorable encounter, and to what extent does it show how economic inclusion can change someone’s life?

I met Fayçal in 2019 when HI was recruiting the first group of people with disabilities for vocational training. Fayçal, who was 17 at the time, was a young man who was deaf and who had just dropped out of secondary education because of various barriers, particularly communication barriers. He decided to enrol for the training course and opted for sewing, dedicating himself to it with a great deal of courage. After six months’ training, Fayçal was noted for his talent and his determination to become a good tailor. At the end of his two years of training, HI helped him open a workshop equipped with a sewing machine and an embroidery machine. When Fayçal is now asked what he thinks, he says: “This training course changed my life and finally allowed me to have a profession; I am doing well and I can stay in touch with people.” I’m very proud of him, and his story has stayed with me ever since.

1. Source: World Bank

2.  Source: United Nations