Empower girls in Niger for change via education

The academic year 2011-2012 is over and we are grateful that les Amis de Hampaté Bâ succeeded in making a step forward in supporting girls’ education in Niger.

 As you know, our organization is backing the innovative approach of the Hampaté Bâ Middle School, which is offering quality secondary education to underprivileged students in Niger, especially girls, and we are hoping that more and more children can benefit from such an education.

 To repeat figures: two-thirds of the world’s uneducated children are girls, and two-thirds of the world’s illiterate adults are women. It has been shown that educating women and girls is the single most effective strategy to ensure the well-being and health of children, and the long-term success of developing economies.

 In view of that, we are trying to inspire change in the emerging world and are working on ways to highlight and empower girls in Niger. Our mission through the new Home Economics program is to raise awareness about the issues adolescent girls face and focus on gender equality, revealing practical pathways that can help them pursue their education and improve their life.

 This change in attitude will come on gradually, but we are proud to say that the beginning of the program showed very positive results.

 The Girls

The girls started to realize that a woman is actually worth something, that she has a value, and that she is able to do many things to help herself, her family, and her country. The girl students gained confidence, started asserting themselves and gained knowledge about different tasks that a woman can perform. Some of them even declared that they would like to be a doctor or a football commentator and felt this could become a reality. THIS is inspiring!

The Parents

Impoverished parents started reflecting on the education of their girls, and began to realize that an education could be important and that a girls’ plight is not only to be at home to help them out and to be married young.  They were in fact grateful that their daughters received scholarships from our organization, and a committee of parents made a special trip to the school to express their gratitude. THIS is a real breakthrough.

 The Teachers

Teachers became conscious of their previous habits to favorise boy students, and started to correct this attitude, by paying attention to girl students also. They realized through teacher development courses and also through working with the girls that the girl students had much to offer. THIS was a revelation.

 Your contributions have brought a smile to the girls’ faces and we sincerely thank you for your generosity. Your fidelity will allow this program to continue to thrive, keep the girls in school, and help us keep this project going with unfolding chapters and new exciting computer projects to expand their skills and knowledge. THANK YOU for continuing to help them!!