Help 80 Secondary Pupils in Niger Read and Write

The school year 2023-2024 for the Association “Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ” has been a year of meaningful progress and transformative outcomes. Through its steadfast efforts in Niamey, Niger, the association has continued to make a profound impact at the Complexe Scolaire Amadou Hampaté Bâ, as well as in vocational and higher education institutions.

Thanks to the generosity of its members, foundations, and corporate partners, the association has maintained its support for students, with a focus on empowering girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Without this support, these young women would have faced insurmountable barriers to accessing quality education.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Student Success

Our association’s initiatives span various aspects of educational support, ensuring that every need is met for the students to thrive. A significant portion of the budget has been allocated to scholarships, with priority given to young girls whose families lack the means to fund their education.

Beyond financial aid, “Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ” has provided vital resources, such as daily meals for students, extracurricular tutoring sessions, and personalized mentoring programs. The upkeep of the computer room and specialized computer classes have been crucial in equipping students with essential technological skills, giving them the tools to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

Collaboration with local administration and educators has remained a cornerstone of the association’s efforts. These partnerships ensure that every initiative aligns with the needs of the students and the broader educational ecosystem. Particular attention has been given to the progression of female scholarship recipients into higher education, where the association continues to guide and support them.

Remarkable Achievements in 2023-2024

The results achieved this year underscore the effectiveness of the association’s mission. Most notably, 10 students earned bachelor’s degrees in 2023-2024, a milestone that seemed unthinkable for many of them just a few years ago. This accomplishment is a testament to the resilience and determination of the students, as well as the comprehensive support provided by “Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ.”

Such achievements are all the more remarkable given the challenges these students face. Many come from households where their parents are illiterate, and the notion of pursuing education, let alone higher education, was once a distant dream. Yet, through their hard work and the association’s unwavering support, they have turned the improbable into reality.

Transforming Lives and Communities

The ripple effect of these accomplishments cannot be overstated. By learning to read and write, these young women have unlocked a world of opportunities. Their diplomas and skills not only pave the way for gainful employment but also equip them to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

For many of these young women, education has been the key to liberation—an opportunity to break free from the constraints of poverty and limited prospects. Equipped with knowledge and self-confidence, they are now in a position to uplift others, embodying the transformative power of education.

A Vision for the Future

As “Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ” reflects on the successes of 2023-2024, it also looks ahead with hope and determination. The association remains committed to its mission of supporting young girls in Niger, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

The journey from illiteracy to higher education is a testament to the incredible potential that lies within every individual when given the right opportunities. It is also a reminder of the collective power of generosity and dedication in driving meaningful change.

Through the continued support of its donors and partners, “Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ” is not just educating students—it is building a brighter future for communities in Niger and beyond.

Breaking Barriers Through Education: The Mission of Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ

Opening Doors to Possibilities

The initial objective of teaching our scholarship recipients how to “read and write” has opened up a world of opportunities that once seemed entirely out of reach. What was once an improbable dream has now become a reality: today, these young students hold diplomas and have developed valuable skills that will allow them to secure employment, lead more independent lives, and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

Our association, Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ, is proud of the strides we have made and remains steadfast in its commitment to this transformative mission. We aim to continue on this promising path, a goal that will only be achievable through the generosity of our donors. As we look to the future, we hope to continue these efforts, making a great impact in the lives of those we serve.

What We Do

Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ is delighted to share significant and encouraging results for the 2023-2024 academic year. The association has continued its work at the Hampaté Bâ School Complex in Niamey, Niger, as well as at specialized and higher education institutions. By maintaining the number of students supported, we have remained true to our mission of creating opportunities for those most in need.

A substantial portion of our budget is dedicated to scholarships, focusing primarily on students from disadvantaged backgrounds who would otherwise have no access to quality education. Without this assistance, many of these young women would face a future with limited prospects.

Thanks to the generosity of our members, foundations, and corporate partners, we have been able to:
• Fund education at various levels: From middle school to high school, and even post-secondary studies.
• Provide daily meals: Ensuring students have the nutrition they need to focus and succeed.
• Support complementary programs: These include tutoring sessions designed to help students excel academically.
• Maintain the computer lab: A vital tool for equipping students with essential 21st-century skills.
• Offer personalized guidance: Each student receives individualized support to address their unique challenges and needs.

Additionally, we collaborate closely with local administrators and teachers, ensuring that our initiatives are well-integrated into the educational system. Particular attention is given to supporting scholarship recipients as they navigate the complexities of higher education, enabling them to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Remarkable Achievements in 2023-2024

This academic year has been one of remarkable achievements. Despite numerous challenges, the resilience and determination of our students have led to outstanding results. Notably, we celebrate the graduation of 10 students with bachelor’s degrees, a testament to the effectiveness of our programs and the dedication of those we support.

These successes validate our mission and highlight the importance of investing in education. By empowering young people through knowledge and skills, we are laying the foundation for long-term personal and societal transformation.

The Broader Impact of Education

Education is not just a tool for individual empowerment; it is a catalyst for community-wide change. The young people we support are breaking the cycle of poverty, becoming role models in their families, and contributing to the development of their communities.

For many of our scholarship recipients, obtaining a diploma means more than just personal achievement—it represents a path to independence and a chance to give back. With the skills and confidence they have gained, they can now aspire to brighter futures while inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Sustaining Our Mission

The work of Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ would not be possible without the unwavering support of our donors. Your contributions are investments in hope, opportunity, and transformation. They allow us to expand our reach and provide the resources necessary for these young people to succeed. With your continued support, we can ensure that more students gain access to quality education and the tools they need to thrive.

Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future.

In Niger, many young students, especially girls, from underprivileged backgrounds face significant challenges that make it difficult for them to break free from the cycle of poverty. “Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ” is dedicated to providing struggling students with the support they need to succeed academically and build brighter futures. One of our key initiatives is offering computer education, which equips them with essential digital skills vital for success in today’s world.

During their seven years of junior high and high school at Hampaté Bâ School, our association provides computer classes that are often their only exposure to technology. Our computer room, equipped with 20 computers, is staffed by a teacher who guides students in learning word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, and internet research. This training is crucial for their academic development and future career opportunities. 

However, not all the students can complete the full duration of our computer program. Some, due to their academic levels and desires, are directed toward vocational studies, where they do not receive the same computer training. Despite this, many excel in these vocational programs and later continue to university, just like those who have completed high school.

At the university level, many students require having their own computers. To support them, we provide laptops, either by purchasing used computers locally to control costs or by sending donated computers from Europe. This ensures everyone has the tools needed for their studies.

Recognizing that some of our scholarship students might not have completed their initial training, we offer special summer classes to help them catch up. These sessions cover essential skills like using word processing software, spreadsheets, presentation tools. Training is done on the specific computer each student will use, as these devices are often different in their configurations. This personalized approach ensures they are comfortable with their tools from day one.

Our computer teacher also instructs them on how to organize their digital files efficiently. They learn how to sort documents by class, type, subject and project, enabling easy access and retrieval whenever needed.

In addition he focuses on practical Internet skills, like how to ask relevant questions during online research and retrieve information using browser history.  At a higher education level, Internet research is a critical task for preparing assignments and end-of-year reports about a project or an internship. These skills, which may seem basic to experienced users, are transformative for them who have had limited exposure to technology. Their families do not own computers, and often, their parents are illiterate, and their siblings receive little or no education.

Our programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of these students, ensuring they are equipped to succeed academically and professionally. By providing this focused training, we aim to help them earn diplomas, secure jobs, and achieve independence, ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty.

None of this would be possible without our donors' generosity, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to you. We encourage continued support to keep making a profound difference in the lives of these young students, helping them build a better future. Thank you for your kind help !