Empower girls in Niger for change via education

The Impact of Education to Empower Girls in Niger

Educating girls is more than transforming one individual at a time. It improves their families and even their communities. 

With a population nearing 30 million, Niger is one of the countries most affected by educational inequality—especially when it comes to girls. According to recent statistics, Niger has the third lowest rate of school attendance among girls in the world, just after South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Only half of all girls attend primary school. Of these, merely 10% make it to secondary school, and a heartbreaking 2% continue on to high school.

Supporting Girls’ Education in Niger

At Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ, our mission is clear: to transform the lives of underprivileged girls in Niamey, Niger’s capital, through education. Our non-profit organization works tirelessly to ensure that girls from impoverished backgrounds have access to secondary and higher education. These are the crucial years when most girls drop out, not because they lack ambition or ability, but because they lack support, guidance, and resources.

Challenges, yes, but also Solutions

 In addition to providing scholarships, our team offers targeted academic tutoring to help the girls catch up and thrive in their studies. We also provide nourishing daily meals—a critical form of support in families that struggle with extreme poverty and food insecurity. These interventions not only help them stay in school but also build their confidence and self-worth.

The stakes are high. In Niger, 75% of girls are married before the age of 18. In many families, especially those living in poverty, education is simply not a priority. Marriage is often seen as a practical solution to ease the economic burden of raising children. As a result, young girls are forced to abandon their dreams and take on adult responsibilities far too early.

Voices of Hope and Determination

Yet, the voices of these young girls speak of hope and determination. “I want to study, to become responsible, and take care of my community,” says Nassyatou, a passionate student preparing for her national health certificate this year. “I want to be a role model for other girls. However, despite our hopes, our parents make the final decisions. They decide whether we go to school or not.”

These girls are not lacking in ambition—they are simply waiting for a chance.

Your Donations Count

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have already been able to make a real impact. With your donations, we’ve provided essential school materials, textbooks, and scholarships to young girls striving for academic success. In June and July 2025, many of them will take exams at all levels: Brevet, General Baccalaureate, Professional Baccalaureate, Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees, and certificates in vocational training.

The Ripple Effect

The ripple effect of educating a girl is profound. When a young woman is educated, she gains the tools to make informed decisions, raise healthier children, earn a sustainable income, and contribute positively to her community. She becomes an advocate for change and a source of strength for the next generation. Indeed, as the African proverb goes, “To educate a girl is to educate a whole community.”

At Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ, we believe that education is a fundamental right—not a privilege. Every child, regardless of gender or background, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Help Us Continue This Life-Changing Work

With your continued support, we can reach even more girls in need and offer them the chance to build a better future for themselves and their communities. Your donation—no matter the amount—can help provide textbooks, pay school fees, cover the cost of tutoring, and offer daily meals to girls who would otherwise be left behind.

Together, we can break the cycle of poverty, delay early marriages, and empower young women to dream big and achieve more. Join us in making a lasting impact—because when you educate a girl, you are transforming not just one life, but an entire community.

Thank you for being part of the change !

In Niamey, the capital of Niger, over 542,000 students resumed their academic journey on Monday, November 4, 2024. This year’s return to school was unlike any other, marked by weeks of delays and unprecedented challenges. While schools across the country finally reopened their doors, the backdrop was one of struggle, recovery, and determination.

Challenges in the Education System
This academic year began in a difficult context. Severe floods had ravaged the country earlier in the year, causing significant damage to school infrastructure. Classrooms were rendered unusable, and educational materials were destroyed. Restoring these facilities required a massive effort from the authorities, who had to mobilize resources in a country already grappling with systemic issues in its education sector.

Niger’s education system faces persistent challenges. Access to education remains limited for many children. The lack of adequate school infrastructure, a chronic shortage of qualified teachers, and insufficient resources exacerbate the situation. Moreover, insecurity in several regions has led to the closure of hundreds of schools, depriving thousands of children of their right to education.

Girls, in particular, bear the brunt of these challenges. They are more likely to drop out of school than boys, often due to safety concerns. Many girls are forced to leave school because of early marriages or socio-cultural pressures that prioritize domestic roles over education. For these girls, the journey to education is fraught with obstacles that require innovative and sustained support to overcome.

The Role of "Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ"
Amid these challenges, "Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ", our charitable association, is working tirelessly to support underprivileged girls and ensure they have access to quality education. Recognizing the immense barriers these girls face, the association provides scholarships to deserving students whose families cannot afford to finance their education.

This year, the association has taken on a dual challenge: addressing both the systemic obstacles in girls’ education and the unique disruptions caused by the late start to the school year.

1. Continuing Education Beyond High School
One of the key initiatives this year is the provision of continuing scholarships for girls, even after they obtain their Baccalaureate. Our association understands that higher education is crucial for these students to break the cycle of poverty. By pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, these girls gain the qualifications needed to compete in the job market, which is often dominated by individuals from more privileged backgrounds.

Investing in higher education for these girls not only enhances their career prospects but also empowers them to become role models in their communities. It is a long-term solution that addresses the root causes of inequality and creates opportunities for lasting change.

2. Special Tutoring Programs
The late start to the academic year has left many students at a disadvantage, with fewer classes scheduled due to the compressed calendar. To mitigate this impact, Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ is offering extensive tutoring programs for the scholarship recipients.

These special tutoring sessions are designed to help students catch up on missed lessons and stay on track with their academic objectives. Scheduled five days a week after school, these sessions ensure that the scholarship girls receive the support they need to thrive despite the shortened school year. This initiative reflects our association’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all scholarship students, regardless of the challenges they face.

A Call for Support
The work of Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ would not be possible without the generosity of its supporters. This year, the need for financial assistance is greater than ever. The association’s efforts to provide scholarships, tutoring, and other essential resources depend on the contributions of donors who share their vision of a brighter future for these determined young girls.

Your continued support can make a world of difference. By donating to Les Amis de Hampaté Bâ, you are not only helping to keep these courageous girl students in school but also empowering them to overcome the odds and achieve their dreams.

On behalf of the girls we support, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unfaltering commitment to their success. Together, we can ensure that no girl is left behind, even in the most challenging of times.

Thank you for believing in their potential and for being a part of this transformative journey.