In Niger, the schooling situation for refugee children represents a major challenge. According to the High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 70% of these children from countries in the sub-region evolve outside of school. However, it is important to highlight a significant improvement in refugee schooling over the past year, despite the instability the country is experiencing following the July 2023 coup.
The number of refugee children in Niger has increased by 9% in one year, reaching the 200,000 mark. This number is added to that of the 200,000 Nigerien children displaced within the country. Faced with this alarming situation, international humanitarian support has made it possible to see an improvement in schooling. Thanks to joint actions by the government, the Ministry of Education, UNHCR and other partners, three in ten refugee children were able to benefit from education, compared to two in ten the previous year.
Various actions have been put in place to promote this improvement. Awareness campaigns were carried out to encourage access to education, school infrastructure was improved, school and hygiene kits were provided, school canteen programs were strengthened, and scholarships were provided. higher education has been established, both in Niger and in other countries thanks to university corridors.
Faced with these positive measures, Charlotte Berquin, education specialist at the UNHCR’s West African office, remains cautious. Despite the progress noted, she recalls that more than 70% of refugee children are still excluded from the education system in Niger. She nevertheless expresses the hope that this upward trend will continue, despite the current political instability in the country.
The issue of schooling for refugee children in Niger is crucial, because education plays a vital role in their development and integration. By providing them with equitable access to education, not only does their individual future improve, but it also contributes to peace and stability in the region.
It is therefore essential to continue to support efforts to guarantee access to education for refugee children in Niger. This requires continued commitment from national and international actors, as well as strengthening partnerships to ensure inclusive and quality schooling for all children, regardless of their refugee status.
In conclusion, although notable progress has been made in the education of refugee children in Niger, much remains to be done to achieve a situation where all children, regardless of their origin, can access quality education.. It is essential to continue efforts and put in place concrete measures to ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop their full potential through education.