The Teacher Who Would Not Give Up

Ilghimis teaches at the Wodaabe school in Tatiste. Originally from Abalak, he has been a teacher for 11 years.

Normally, Ilghimis remains at one teaching location for 3 years, but he’s been at the school in Tatiste for 4 years, and he plans to stay.

“I am needed,” he says. 

The Wodaabe have less access to education than other populations in the region.  When Ilighimis first came, he found the school badly in need of repairs with hardly any students in attendance. He appealed to the parents. He spoke about the value of education to improve the quality of life, and provide a foundation for the future.  Slowly, he developed a relationship with the mothers and fathers in the community. Today, more and more children attend school on a daily basis.

Now, Ilghimis feels very close to his students and to their parents. He wants to keep working on developing the school, and improving the quality of education for the Wodaabe. 

“Education can provide new opportunities and improve lives,” he says. 

Ilghimis has moved his family to Tatiste. His wife teaches the younger students.  He doesn't want to leave.

“Who will come after me to teach?  Will the parents keep their children in school?” These are the concerns he has about moving on to be a teacher at another community.  

Ilghimis has also been a staunch advocate for keeping girls in school past the primary level. It is greatly thanks to Ilghimis that several young women were selected to go to the Hamsa Girls Education Center in Tahoua to attend secondary school.