African Development University

Dear Friends, Three years ago, I left my successful accounting practice and, thanks to a great deal of generous help, launched the African Development University (A.D.U.) in Niger, my dear, impoverished and troubled country. Here is an A.D.U. update and a call-to-action to help us meet an important challenge. A.D.U. has grown to almost 200 students, 70% of whom are women. In the workplace, our students are known to be ethical and impactful; 100% of employers rate their A.D.U. interns highly. One rising leader is Nana, a full scholarship student. After an early marriage, Nana tried to resume her education, but was repudiated and barred from seeing her young children. At A.D.U., her leadership class inspired Nana to question the judge's expedited ruling. She researched the law and learned her basic rights. Using frameworks from her negotiation class, she convinced a prominent lawyer to take her case. Today, Nana lives with her three children. She served as a well-respected intern at Niger's embassy in the US and has worked on community empowerment projects in Niger. Another student, Feyçal, is already a job creator. An orphan, Feyçal spent two years at the national university without completing a single semester due to strikes and other issues. At A.D.U., he launched two startups, hired a dozen part time employees, and pitched his projects in a global competition in London. Now, I must humbly and urgently ask you to help A.D.U. survive. We have a strong plan to break even in five years, but today, we need your support. Fortunately, a generous friend visited A.D.U. and, moved by our students, offered to match any gifts received by December 31st, 2019, up to $500,000 USD. Your gift can now stretch twice as far to launch future advocates and entrepreneurs like Nana and Feyçal. This holiday season, please give what you can. A.D.U. students are eager to learn, despite crowded classrooms. We are short on staff, so a few top students work as administrators, applying their rapidly developing business skills to keep their school running. The entire A.D.U. community is pulling together and we invite you to join us. With your support, we will create a solid future for ADU. With deepest gratitude, K. P.S. Please do share this call to anyone you believe might help in your network. -- Kader Kaneye Founder & President ILIMI | A.D.U. +1 617 460 6180 | +227 97 97 08 03