Niger State has a large number of children out-of-school which is one of the key issues to be addressed under the TENS II Programme by putting forward potential solutions. This led members of the TENS II Team and officials from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education attend the The recent high-level conference in Accra, Ghana
The Conference, focused on addressing the critical issue of out-of-school children in West Africa. Members of our project actively participated in this event, which brought together experts, researchers, and government officials from Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Economic barriers, socio-cultural norms, and lack of infrastructure significantly hinder access to education, particularly for girls. Interviews with various stakeholders underscored the importance of community-driven initiatives and government support in scaling Accelerated Education Learners (AEPs).
One participant noted;
“AEPs not only bridge the education gap but also empower communities by involving local facilitators.”
Discussions emphasised the need for governments to allocate budgets and develop policies that support accelerated education, ensuring these programs are integrated into national education strategies. The insights gained from this conference are particularly relevant for Niger State, where educational deprivation is severe, driven by economic barriers and socio-cultural practices that discourage formal education, especially for girls.
The conference underscored the necessity of gender-sensitive approaches and community engagement to overcome these challenges. Such conferences play a pivotal role in shaping educational policies and strategies. They provide a platform for sharing successful models like AEPs, which can be adapted to the specific contexts of states like Niger. By implementing these strategies, Niger State can make significant strides in reducing the number of out-of-school children and ensuring that every child has access to quality education.
The high-level conference in Ghana highlighted effective strategies and the critical role of collaboration between governments and communities.
The participation of our program members has paved the way for adopting these innovative solutions in Niger State, aiming to tackle the out-of-school challenge head-on and ensure a brighter future for all children.