EPPA

Agadez has always been recognised as a regional intercultural crossroad. Its geographical position has enabled it to protect itself from the desert winds and to develop into a centre of commerce where different cultures have contributed their wealth and traditions. Music, theatre, oral tradition, poetry and the transmission of craft techniques are among its intangible expressions. However, the danger of intangible cultural expressions disappearing also affects material heritage.

CISP, through the EPPA (Emploi pour le patrimoine d’Agadez) project, uses its experience in cultural projects in Niger to promote culture as a tool for socio-economic cohesion in the region and combatting illegal activities linked to migration through the creation of programmes for immediate employment and the promotion of professional activities in cultural industries. In addition, the cultural heritage of Agadez is protected and preserved through programmes of cultural development and mediation with the active and inclusive participation of civil society.

To contribute to the consolidation of stability through the creation of economic opportunities and social integration of young people in the Agadez region. Young people in the Agadez region, including rural areas, benefit from immediate job opportunities and increase their social integration and participation in the socio-economic and cultural life of their municipalities.

• Job creation for the preservation and conservation of community heritage through the improvement of sanitation services
• Rehabilitation of the historic centre of Agadez and implementation of a cultural development programme
• Vocational training and socio-economic integration linked to the creative industries
• Mobile culture caravan and creation and development of an agenda of cultural events (workshops, shows and cinema) to make culture accessible in rural areas
• Support to activities for the dissemination of material and immaterial heritage of communities and awareness raising for its protection and preservation

• 105 clay houses in the historic centre of Agadez rehabilitated
• Over 72,500 people reached by cultural development activities
• Over 7,500 people employed in community work (improvement of sanitation and rehabilitation of the historic centre of Agadez)
• Over 265,000 people involved in the activities of the mobile culture caravan
• About 18,000 people involved in activities to safeguard and preserve the intangible heritage of communities: festivals/cultural events