For the remote tribes of Niger, Mali and Ethiopia, TurtleWill's name means "Life."

We are saving new lives and centuries old cultures and traditions.

TurtleWill meets the people where they live, to enable them to live.

The TurtleWill name has become so well-known for saving lives and for promoting education and economic development that, when we are in Africa , delegations of tribal chiefs travel 20 to 30 miles by foot, donkey and camel to ask for TurtleWill's help.

Here's what we've accomplished in 10 Years!!!

Over 50,000 patients treated and countless lives saved.
Since 2002 TurtleWill's Mobile Clinics have saved lives, reduced child and maternal mortality and the ravaging effects of malaria. There is no one else healing the people whom TurtleWill heals.

35 deep water wells dug and rehabilitated.
Clean water wells help prevent disease and keep people and animals alive in droughts.

1350 nomadic children in 27 remote primary schools receiving our support.
We provide dormitories, latrines, food, clothing, teachers and school supplies.

33 tribal students on scholarships for secondary and higher education.
We provide the only possibility for so many to go beyond primary school.

102 food, sewing and handicraft cooperatives funded.
We teach income-producing skills that generate independence and self-empowerment.

The name TurtleWill comes in response to the question "Who will help these people?" The answer: "Turtle will!"

TurtleWill is entirely funded by private donors.

Profiles in Caring TV Show features Irma Turtle.
Profiles in Caring is good news about good work around the world. Its TV news stories, web casts, and half hour programs reflect extraordinary humanitarian projects. Irma is featured in a 30 minute segment on the TV program, first airing in March, 2008 on various nationwide cable and network channels.

"This week on Profiles In Caring we travel to a region rarely seen except by National Geographic cameras. Irma Turtle and her TurtleWill Foundation, do what many would deem impossible, to help nomadic tribes in Mali, Niger and Ethiopia. From mobile health clinics to educational support and even a little business econimics 101, Irma loves these people and has dedicated her life to improving the overall quality of life for the Wodaabe, Tuareg and Mursi. It is a story you will not soon forget."

TurtleWill's Volunteer Funded Medical Programs are part of the cover story of Barron's Business and Financial Weekly, November 29, 2004 issue, entitled "The New Giving". This issue includes a "Special Report on Philanthropy" We are referred to as "one of five nonprofits leading the charge".

The article goes on to say: "Seeing is believing. Today's donors increasingly want to see their dollars at work- and maybe even lend a hand. To that end, TurtleWill, which provides aid to nomads from Mali to Mongolia, takes donors on tours to places they almost certainly would never see on their own ...says Carol Carpenter, who has traveled on TurtleWill medical missions to Ethiopia, Mali and Niger, "Often when you donate money to an organization, you don't know where it's going. With TurtleWill, you see the sewing machine being bought for the women's cooperative...".

"NOMADS OF THE HUMAN CONDITION"
UN sponsored International Television Series
featuring
Irma Turtle

   Irma Turtle is featured, along with the Dalai Lama and Steve McCurry (internationally acclaimed photojournalist), in a 13 chapter series for television focusing on "modern day nomads". Individuals have been selected for their efforts to help humanity. Irma's 30 minute segment was filmed on location in Niger during the Turtlewill Mission Mission, in March, 2002. The subject of the film was Turtlewill's ongoing projects involving medical, educational, agricultural and economic support of the Wodaabe and the Tuareg nomads. Accompanying Irma as volunteers were Dr Elizabeth Jack, Maya Moltzer and Lillian Hoffman, all of whom have traveled repeatedly with Turtle. The series will begin airing in January, 2003.