Project ABC-Niger

Join us in providing quality formal education to children in Niger!

ABC-Niger offers students a proven and natural approach to learning that incorporates Christian values. To address the many challenges that children and youth encounter as they seek high quality education, ABC-schools will provide bilingual instruction and exposure to technology.

Dear friend,

It is said that education is the foundation for a positive future for all children. Unfortunately, for many children in Niger this is not a reality. Over 60% of the population lives in extreme poverty, with an income of less than a dollar per day. Many families cannot afford schools fees and supplies for their children. The number of schools is insufficient and existing classrooms are overcrowded. As a result, only 23% to 30% of the population in Niger can read and write, with women and girls having the lowest rates.

For the year 2009 Niger was designated the poorest country in the world according to the Human Development Index. The economy is suffering due to the lack of educated workers for agriculture, industry, health and technology, and yet we long to be self-reliant participants in a growing economy.

My dream is to move Niger forward - one school, one child at a time – through education, which the powerful key that will unlock the door to our future. I hope you will join me and share in this dream by offering your generous support to Project ABC-Niger.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of children in Niger.

Sincerely,
Amina

Why build schools in Niger?

• 72% of young people cannot read or write
• In 2006, only 44% of boys and 31% of girls were enrolled in
  elementary school, of which half did not go on to middle school
• The average classroom has 60 students
• There is an average of 1 book for 30 children
• There is an average of 45 students per teacher
• Only 76% of teachers are qualified to teach

Why bilingual education?

Globalization and technological growth call for English proficiency. Research shows that languages are best learned at an early age. ABC schools will teach classes in French—Niger’s official language—and begin English instruction in primary school.

Why technology?

Most people in Niger cannot keep pace with rapid advances in today’s technology. ABC schools will use computers as learning tools to help children discover technology early on.