📋 Tender Overview
More than 50% of children under 15, mostly girls, are out of school in Niger. Switzerland has supported, since 2015, the right to inclusive quality education for this public through an alternative education offer, adopted by the Nigerien State in April 2022. The third phase of the program will focus on the scale of the model and the strategies for retaining disadvantaged students, through the empowerment of local stakeholders and the adaptation of the school environment.
Background Thanks to the support of Switzerland, which has lasted for 8 years, Niger has become a pioneer of alternative education in the Sahel. The model of integration into the formal school catch-up system in a flexible format has proven to be a winner over the years, as it has provided access to education for more than 32,000 children outside of school. However, these figures, although important for the children concerned, represent only 1% of needs; Niger's population growth is faster than the capacity of the education system to absorb the volume of children. It is unthinkable to bridge the gap in schooling without increased commitment from the country's institutions, particularly at the local level and communities. A first step towards this commitment was taken with the official adoption of the model by the Ministry of National Education in 2022 and the support of some 300 specialized teachers (result of Phase II). Phase III of the PEAJ aims to further anchor alternative education in existing school structures at decentralized level and the development of retention strategies for disadvantaged children, particularly girls and children on the move (nomads, refugees, etc.). ) by focusing on the quality of the school environment and adaptation to the specific needs of these children. The coup d'état of July 2023 poses a challenge to the long-term financing of this model, but not to the authorities' commitment to continuing its expansion. The reorganization of the Ministry of National Education and the distance from France represent opportunities for appropriation of the education model based on local values ??and realities, as well as on a need for continuity between the education of basis and access to professional training. The alternative education model therefore has the potential to influence the entire Nigerien school system.
Objectives An inclusive and resilient, quality alternative education offer, supported by institutional and local stakeholders, is accessible for children aged 9 to 14 out of school, and can be generalized throughout the country with prospects of continuing school or training. professional.
Target groups Girls and boys aged 9 to 14, out of school and out of school from the regions of Dosso and Maradi, Tillabéri, Tahoua and Diffa; School management committees (CGDES); CCEAJ teachers and their supervisors; Municipalities and regional councils
Medium-term outcomes
The secure and inclusive CCEAJ study environment offers better learning condit
