Heather Lynch
“Making Niger our Business” is an innovative project that was initially conceived in 2005 by Professor Guy Laflamme, School of Management, and his marketing students as a means of raising awareness about the food crisis and the growth potential of Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries.
In June 2006, Laflamme and a handful of marketing students travelled to Niger where they visited hospitals and schools, delivering more than $250,000 in medical equipment and $40,000 in cash donations for the construction of wells. Students also offered a training program in social marketing at the University of Niamey and established partnerships with the Niger Youth Parliament and the University of Niamey’s School of Journalism.
In November, four students from the Youth Parliament arrived in Ottawa for a ten-day mission to learn more about Canada’s parliamentary system in order to promote democracy and ensure its maintenance in Niger.
During the visit, student delegates enjoyed a two-day training session with the Library of Parliament, which runs the Parliament of Canada’s tour program. They plan to implement a similar public access program in the National Assembly of Niger, providing the public with informative tours of their national legislature.
The latest initiative of the project took place on December 2nd when marketing students gathered in the ByWard Market to collect donations of cash, books, toys, clothing, technological equipment and more for the people of Niger. Combined, these donations filled two “Buses of Life,” which will in turn be used for student transit by the University of Niamey.
This remarkable humanitarian project continues to grow and evolve thanks to the dedication and commitment of Professor Laflamme and his marketing students.
Photo:
From left to right, back row: Roberta Caverly, student; Mahamadou Nouridine Moussa, adviser to the president of the National Assembly; Philippe Etter, student; Guy Laflamme, professor; Micheál J. Kelly, dean, School of Management; Alassane Ali, member of National Legislature and Network president; Amina Iro Moustapha, member, Francophone Parliament of Niger; Abdourahamane Soumaaila, member, Youth Parliament of Niger; Janie Filiatrault, student; front row: Amina Nouhou Bako, president, Youth Parliament of Niger; Nourou Badarou Mahaman, general secretary, Youth Parliament of Niger.
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