Education in Niger _ Where We Work _ Global Partnership for Education

Challenges in Education in Niger

• Obstacles to Accessing Education

  • Numerous challenges affect children's access to education, especially for girls in rural regions.

  • Major issues include:

    • Poor infrastructure

    • Teacher absenteeism

    • Outdated curriculum

    • Inadequate teaching and learning materials

• Lost Learning Time

  • Many children face lost learning time, with evidence showing up to one-third of the school year may be lost.

  • Only 30% of students master basic reading skills by the end of primary education

  • Just 23% achieve basic math skills, making progression in the education system challenging.

  • The dropout rate for grade 6 students:

    • 33% for girls

    • 28% for boys

Government Initiatives for Improvement

• Collaborative Efforts

  • The government collaborates with GPE and other partners to enhance instructional time for better learning outcomes and efficiency.

• Infrastructure Plans

  • Replacement of over 36,000 vulnerable straw hut classrooms with more durable structures.

  • Plans to build additional classrooms and dormitories to retain girls in secondary education.

  • Establishment of learning centers in conflict-affected areas to improve access for vulnerable students.

• Teacher Development Reforms

  • Reforms target teacher development, deployment, status, and career progression to decrease absenteeism and enhance classroom effectiveness.

• Curriculum Redesign

  • Focus on core subjects in early grades, use of national languages, and development of scripted lesson tools to optimize learning time.

• Gender-responsive Planning

  • Commitment to integrate gender considerations in planning and policy development essential for transforming the education system.

Result Story of Niger

• Using National Systems for Transformation

  • The GPE grant through the Education Sector Pooled Fund supports national education priorities.

  • The approach is transparent, responsive to local needs, and aims for sustainable improvements in equity, learning outcomes, and efficiency in the Nigerien education system.