In Niger, the UN vice president demonstrated the power of partnership to create schools for the future
Amina Mohammed is visiting the École Pays-Bas, in an area of the capital city of Niamey, which less than two years ago, burned to the ground, after the grass that was made from the fire, amid the scorching temperatures and A suspected electronic fault. A total of 21 children died in the inferno – nine boys, and 12 girls – mostly schoolchildren.
“The trees we saw planted in the school campus honor the memory of these young children”, said the Deputy Secretary General.
Rising from the ashes
The newly renovated school was renovated by the World Organization for Children UNICEF, as well 21 new classrooms provided. Five classrooms were also renovated at the nearby school, École Gamkalé.
“In response, we worked together, the Government, the region, the UN and other partners to rebuild the school block at École Pay-Bas, build additional classrooms here at École Gamkalé, provide necessary equipment and educational materials , and make sure psychosocial support for teachers, families and students“, said Ms. Mohammed.
The renovated school of Pays-Bas also opened for 1,800 students, easing the reduction in the neighborhood.
Innovative ideas
He said that thanks to the “One UN” approach, and motivated by the Government’s proactive thinking in reducing the disaster, innovative solutions were adopted in the form of the hotspot digital community center, providing “a safe place for students and the community to have an appropriate understanding of digital skills.
“This includes office automation, computer graphics, social media management, cybersecurity, computer maintenance and 3D printing”, he added.
The center was adapted last year by the UN development agency UNDP, and the International Fund, UNICEF, in partnership with the National Agency for the Information Society (ANSI).
‘inspiring vision’
Now, he said, “Government intends to gradually install such innovative solutions in all schools of Niger, an inspiring vision that will need the resources and support of unfailing partners.”
He commended the authorities of Niger for accepting”important decisions that demonstrate your commitment to improving children’s education”, by committing 20 percent of the total national budget to education.
The students of Pays-Bas in Niamey, Niger met the Deputy Secretary General of the UN Amina Mohammed.
“While we use grassy classrooms to accommodate 500,000 new students starting primary school each year, they are not a safe place, nor a good environment for developing the skills needed in the modern world today”, said Ms. Mohammed.
There it is around The remaining 36,000 classrooms throughout the country, and the challenge of replacing them cannot be addressed by one partner alone, the UN vice-general emphasized.
Safe, smart training
“École Pays-Bas works as a model for what can be done when key players come together to support the Government in promoting creative and bold ways to ensure that all children have access to it A safe learning environment which prepares them for the future.”
The UN is not only helping with school renovations in the two schools. Some 900 school seats were provided, desks for students, more than 50 desks for teachers, and 30 blackboards.
He added that a comprehensive approach beyond the provision of infrastructure and equipment, is necessary, to reach educational goals.
“You need advanced studies, Sufficient teachers with developmental skills, school health and nutrition in schools with school meals“, he said at the site visit, attended by high government and UN officials in Niger, as well as international representatives.
Education for all
“You also need to improve coordination and efficiency and poverty reduction programs to scale. It also requires ensuring that a generation of students will not be left behind in education in vulnerable areas. “
Mohammed’s sister also participated discuss with a group of students during the visit, to talk about their challenges, the opportunities open to them, and their hopes for the future.
