Niger, located in the heart of the Sahel, faces one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world, where environmental, economic, and social challenges are deeply intertwined. With one of the highest population growth rates globally, a fragile economy dependent on subsistence agriculture, and a context of insecurity exacerbated by the presence of armed groups, the country struggles daily to ensure decent living conditions for its people. Climate change, recurring floods, and cross-border violence have also caused a dramatic increase in the number of internally displaced persons, with children accounting for 59% of this vulnerable population.
The demographic trap
In Niger, child marriage is one of the main factors perpetuating high fertility rates, which are in turn linked to economic hardship, gender inequality, and barriers to girls’ education. With 76% of girls married before the age of 18, the impact on human rights and socio-economic development is devastating. Early marriage deprives girls of education, exposes them to risky pregnancies, and perpetuates a cycle of poverty. Studies show that education is the key to breaking these barriers: only 17% of women with secondary or higher education marry before 18, compared to 81% of those who have had no access to education.
The importance of education
Over 2.5 million children and adolescents in Niger are out of school, with girls being disproportionately affected. Only 19% of girls in rural areas complete primary education, a number that drops to 8% in the poorest communities. Access to education is hindered by societal norms, poverty, domestic labor, and insecurity during school commutes. Schools themselves are overcrowded, lack proper infrastructure, and are staffed by underqualified teachers, especially when it comes to addressing the specific needs of girls.
The educational crisis in Niger is one of the country’s most urgent challenges. Endemic poverty, cultural norms relegating women to subordinate roles, and inadequate school infrastructure deprive millions of girls of the opportunity to build a better future. Breaking this cycle is not just a matter of social justice but a priority for Niger’s progress, as every girl who accesses education becomes a driver of change for her entire community.
The MAEC Project: Education and Sport to Transform the Future
In line with its mission to promote education as a tool for empowerment, MAEC supports a project initiated by Zoumaro Bah Traoré, a former Nigerien rugby national team player, aimed at vulnerable children in Niamey Rive Droite. Through education and sport, the project offers a concrete opportunity for approximately 250 children from impoverished families to improve their lives.
Investing in girls’ education in Niger lays the foundation for profound and lasting societal change. Girls who receive an education have a better chance of improving their quality of life, accessing economic opportunities, and playing an active role in their community’s development. Quality education not only reduces early marriage rates but also protects girls from the risks of poverty and violence, equipping them with the tools to face the challenges of an evolving world. The benefits extend beyond the individual: every educated girl becomes a valuable resource for her family and a catalyst for national progress.
Focus on Female Empowerment
MAEC places particular emphasis on empowering girls, recognizing that one year of education can transform their lives and those of their communities.
With a small contribution, it is possible to:
- Provide one year of education for a girl with just €160.
- Enroll a young woman in vocational training to enter the labour market with €300.
- Restore the school’s IT lab powered by solar energy for €1,200, offering students essential technological skills.
Join Us
Niger is a powerful example of how education can address the root causes of inequality and promote development. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference.
Donate now and support the future of these children and girls: https://www.maec-ngo.eu/en/what-we-do/education-and-training/
Together, we can build a more equitable world.
