Sadi Alhassan’s inspiring journey to empowerment

Ibrahim Samna

Monday, September 15, 2025

The department of Torodi, located in the Tillabéri region of southwest Niger, is facing a persistent humanitarian crisis due to growing insecurity caused by non-state armed groups (NSAGs). Since 2022, this situation has led to massive population displacement, with more than 15,000 internally displaced people recorded in the municipalities of Torodi and Makalondi. These movements have created urgent needs in terms of food security, access to drinking water, health, shelter, and protection.

In Torodi, lives Sadi Alhassane, a 60-year-old widow, mother of seven children and grandmother of eight grandchildren. Since losing her husband in 2022, she has led a life of resilience and courage."When my husband died, I had to take over the family. I live in a rented house for 25,000 francs a month, and I struggle every day to feed my children.”, Says Sadi.To survive, Sadi took on small, grueling businesses: selling candy and fresh water in schools, trading baobab leaves and poultry. But despite her efforts, the income remained insufficient. "To provide for my children, I ran everywhere from market to market. I went as far as Tillaberi. But all her efforts weren't enough to allow me to provide enough for my children," she admits.

In this context, World Vision Niger, present in the country since 1994, operates through an integrated development and emergency approach. Its 2021–2025 strategy aims to improve the living conditions of vulnerable children and communities, with a target impact on more than 1.4 million children. It was then that Sadi's life took a decisive turn thanks to her involvement in Saving Groups, a savings group supported by World Vision. "I joined World Vision's Saving Group a few years ago. That's when everything started to change for me." Sadi has benefited from several practical training programs: grain processing (dégué, couscous), sesame oil production, and solid soap production. "I didn't know I could learn so much at my age. Today, I know how to make soap, couscous, sesame oil... and I sell it all to support my family."

Project coordinator Kevin recalls her commitment: "Sadi was one of the most dedicated participants. She asked a lot of questions, she wanted to understand every step. She became a role model for the other women."With her group of 25 women, they received equipment and ingredients for soap making. After the training, they transformed the 10 bags of ingredients into solid soap, generating 200,000 CFA francs in income. "We used this money to give small loans to the women in the group. This allowed several of us to start small businesses," Sadi explains proudly.

During the last Tabaski feast, the group donated five goats to internally displaced women members of the group. "We know what it's like to suffer. So, we wanted to share what we have." Thanks to her new skills, Sadi was able to pay school fees for two of her daughters for three years. "Before, I had to go and ask for help; sometimes I was humiliated. Today, I feel useful. I can provide for my family with dignity." She adds with a smile: "Thanks to this activity, there is always soap at home. Hygiene is better, and I no longer need to beg anyone."The group's stock of ingredients is almost depleted. Sadi makes an appeal: "We still have soap in stock, but our ingredients are almost gone. We are asking World Vision to help us continue." » For Kevin, Project Coordinator at World Vision: "Sadi's story is a living example of what empowerment can achieve. We are proud to have accompanied her on this journey. And we remain committed to supporting these courageous women."

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