Niger children learn their rights in Gaya classroom

Empowering young minds in Gaya

In the southwestern city of Gaya, Niger, a primary school is breaking new ground by teaching children about their fundamental rights. On the occasion of African Child Day, educators are going beyond traditional lessons to help young learners understand their entitlements and protections.

The school’s corridors buzz with lively discussions after class, as students between 9 and 12 years old reflect on what they’ve just learned during their morality lesson. One student shares, “Before today, I thought rights were only for grown-ups—like driving or voting. Now I realize we also have the right to healthcare and protection from harm.”

Another remarks, “We can speak up too. Teachers and parents should listen to us. If we need something, we can explain it without getting scolded.”

Classroom lessons extend beyond textbooks

Aïssatou, the classroom teacher, observes a clear shift in her students’ behavior after these lessons. “The excitement is palpable. They immediately start applying what they’ve learned in real life,” she explains. “Children absorb these lessons quickly. They don’t just memorize—they act on them.”

The school employs an Approche par Compétences (APC)—a competency-based teaching method that introduces children to their rights from an early age. Omar, a pedagogical advisor, explains, “Starting in preschool, we use stories, songs, and activities to teach rights. By primary school, these lessons evolve into civic education and morality classes, laying the foundation for understanding human rights.”

Gaps in education persist

Despite these efforts, not all children benefit from such structured learning. Some, like an 11-year-old collecting plastic bottles in the streets, have never had the chance to attend these lessons. When asked about rights, the child shrugs and says, “Rights are for adults, not us.”

This stark contrast highlights the urgent need for broader educational outreach, ensuring that every child in Niger—regardless of their circumstances—gains awareness of their basic rights.