Excursions with Gina Arias: Niger, Pt. 3
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- Published on September 28, 2022
- Last Updated June 20, 2023
- In Podcasts
The final episode of a series on her life-altering journey in Niger is bittersweet for host Gina Arias. Decades later she wants to revisit the cherished village of Koleram but political turmoil makes it impossible for her to return.
In the two years Gina Arias spent as a health worker in Niger she saw glimpses of real life that remain hidden from tourists. As a Peace Corps volunteer she took part in the attempts to eradicate Guinea worm disease – a tropical disease caused by consumption of contaminated water. She also witnessed a coup that fomented political upheavals in Niger. Current turmoil, based on religious extremism, prevents Arias from returning.
“The time I spent in Niger is second only to my experience of becoming a mother,” Arias sums up the journey as she urges young people to volunteer and see places they’d never considered visiting. “I will forever cherish it.”
This video is the third installment in the three-part series on Niger. Watch the full playlist below:
Get inspired to take risks, travel and make lifelong friendships – stay tuned from more excursions with Gina Arias. If you missed previous episodes of this series, here are Part 1 and Part 2.
