Destination: Dargol, Niger
In this section you will find more specific information from the Brazilian Baptist Team who live and work in Dargol, as of June 2008.
History of Town/ Population/ People Groups
The village of Dargol is about 400 years old. The majority of its inhabitants are Songhai. A Songhai prince and his people arrived in the village in about 1620. Among them were some famous warriors who made their homes in Dargol, which forced the former population from the place. Today the population is approximately 10,420 people. There are four principle people groups: Songhai (80%), Tuareg (15%), Fulani (3%), and Hausa (2%). The economy relies on agriculture and commerce (Friday market day).
Church Status
Southern Baptists entered with village with prayer in January of 2001. From 2001 – 2006 various volunteer teams were in the village prayer walking, distributing cassettes, doing sport’s evangelism, holding health clinics… Finally in May 2006, Brazilian Baptists were given permission by the chief to start evangelism, through a miraculous and immediate answer to prayer. Today, seven local believers worship together, and five Brazilian Baptists live in the village.
Housing for Guests/ Cost Estimate
Volunteer teams doing ministry in Dargol could be based either in Niamey or Dargol, or be a combination of both. Ask your Volunteer Team Leader where you will be staying. Some teams stay two nights in Niamey for arrival and departure days and the remaining days for ministry in the village.
The cost for Niamey housing is determined by the Southern Baptist Guesthouse ($15/night).
The Brazilians who live in Dargol have a very small house for the guys and another for the girls.
Lodging is 4.000 CFA (about 8$) each day, which includes the cost of water, food, and transportation on public bush taxis to other villages where the team has ministry.
Specifics Unique to Your Stay
Clothing
Because Dargol is a traditional community, girls must wear long skirts. When leaving the Brazilian’s yard, girls must cover their heads with scarves. Shirts must cover the shoulders (no sleeveless tops). Guys may not wear shorts.
Climate Issues
April through June is hot season. It is difficult to sleep inside of the house or do sports. It is necessary to have a rest time each day.
During the dry season, one must pay special attention to their skin, especially their feet.
Because of the heat, volunteers usually sleep outside in the courtyard. So, you must bring the things necessary to protect yourself from mosquitoes. It is obligatory to sleep under a mosquito net. Knee-length, baggy shorts and T-shirts are acceptable “outside” pajamas for both guys and girls.
Water and Electricity
There is no running water at either house. Each day it must be carried from the village pump to the house, bucket by bucket.
Ask the Brazilians about proper latrine etiquette at their home, there is a certain savior-faire to it.
The houses receive electricity from 4 PM till midnight only.
Shopping
All food, medicine, cosmetics, etc are purchased on a monthly basis in Niamey.
Chores
Household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, dishwashing, getting water, etc. is all done on a rotation basis. You are expected to share in the work load.
Items Bring with You
(in addition to the listing of “ what to bring” in the Volunteer Team Preparation document)
- Sunglasses
- Sun block
- Mosquito spray
- Body lotion
- Hat or cap
- Sleeping bag
- Back pack
- Mosquito net
- Flash light
- Batteries
- Flip flops for the shower
- Mattress
- Pillow
- Sheets
- Personal medicine
- Tennis shoes
- Camera