UNHCR Niger

Avec 1384 élèves, (1 192 enfants réfugiés et 192 Nigériens) et 23 enseignants, l’école de la zone d’accueil des réfugiés de Tahoua est aujourd’hui l’école la plus grande de la région de Tahoua. Elle est aussi la plus mixte avec près de 45% de filles. Au regard de la conjoncture actuelle de manque de ressources, et le départ de nombreux partenaires, la cantine de l’école était menacée de fermeture avec pour conséquence la mise en péril des avancées réalisées depuis 4 ans notamment avec un niveau d’enrôlement particulièrement élevé. Dans leur mode de vie semi-nomade, la mise en place de la cantine à l’école d’Intikane a été un puissant déterminant pour les parents d’inscrire et de maintenir les enfants à l’école, pendant qu’eux-mêmes partent en transhumance ou vaquent à d’autres activités.

La situation a aujourd’hui une fin heureuse. L’organisation allemande ADH a débloqué des fonds d’urgence pour assurer 2 repas quotidiens équilibrés sur le plan nutritionnel pour l’ensemble des élevés au titre de l’année scolaire 2016-2017. L’activité est mise en œuvre par l’ONG allemande ASB avec le support de l’ONG nigérienne ADKOUL, gestionnaire délégué de la ZAR d’Intikane.

La cantine va aussi être équipée en foyers et gaz de cuisine, afin de réduire l’utilisation du bois dans cette zone désertique : l’économie de bois pour l’année scolaire étant estimée à 100m3. 17 emplois sont aussi maintenus.

Cet appui permet de ne pas casser la dynamique en cours et offre une alternative en attendant d’aboutir à une solution durable : celle de l’intégration de l’école d’Intikane dans le programme national des cantines scolaires. Cette intégration suppose la transformation de l’école d’Intikane en école publique nigérienne. Les autorités, particulièrement ouvertes pour permettre l’intégration des réfugiés dans les mécanismes nationaux de provision des services de base, ont déjà donné leur aval. Cette intégration suppose une mise aux normes avant l’année scolaire 2018-2019.

Abdulrahman Aboubacar, 20 year old Central African Refugee studying to prepare for the start of his University Degree in Tahoua University, Niger, thanks to the DAFI scholarship programme (Louise Donovan UNHCR)

Abdulrahman was beaming from ear to ear as he explained that he was preparing to move to Tahoua region in Niger to begin his University studies in Agronomy and Food Industry. Abdulrahman is one of four refugees in Niger who were selected for a prestigious DAFI scholarship. The DAFI scholarship programme began in 1992, and enables over 2,200 students annually to undertake post-secondary studies in countries of asylum. For more information, Click here (http://www.unhcr.org/dafi-scholarships.html).

In 2017, Abdulrahman was one of four refugee students in Niger selected for the scholarship programme, the other students selected are from Mali (2) and from Nigeria (1). Abdulrahman arrived to Niamey, Niger from the Central African Republic with his six siblings and his parents two years ago. He says that he and his family fled inter-religious war, and appreciates the freedom he has in Niger, “here, there is no problem between the Muslims and the Christians, I feel safe and I can move freely, it was not like that in my city”. Sadly, his father passed away several months ago in Niger. He is the second oldest in the family, and feels responsible for his family, “with an education, I will be somebody in the world, I can have a steady income and help my mother and my family”.

Prior to 2017, several refugees in Niger were selected for DAFI scholarships for studies which they are currently completing in universities in Senegal, however this year it was decided to send the students to universities in their host countries. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that there are adequate educational institutions available in the asylum countries, the students will be able to stay closer to their families, and a closer relationship between UNHCR and the students is possible, both during and after their studies. In Niger, the University of Tahoua and UNHCR recently signed an agreement for the provision of education to refugees in Niger which is a very positive step, as Higher Education is a clear priority in UNHCR’s overarching Education Strategy, and for the state of Niger.

In addition to higher education, UNHCR are involved in several other innovative education projects in Niger, including the Distance Education Project for Nigerian Secondary Level students in the Diffa region , and Ecole de Second Chance , for urban refugees in Niamey. Support for primary education for all Malian refugees in the camps and refugee hosting areas, and primary education for Nigerian refugees and IDPS in the camps in the Diffa region is also being provided since 2012.

“Maybe if my country becomes calm again I will return with my mother and my brothers and sisters, but for now we are content in Niger, and I will be happy when I finish my studies and can participate in commerce to help my family”.

La zone d’accueil des refugiées d’Intikane (ZAR) est aujourd’hui totalement intégrée dans son terroir d’accueil. Un bon indicateur pour lire cette intégration est celui de la mobilisation des acteurs nationaux autour de la ZAR. C’est actuellement le cas pour l’éducation. L’ONG nigérienne Hed Tamat vient d’apporter une contribution de 6,950,000 CFA (plus de 10,000 euros) pour soutenir la scolarisation des enfants réfugiés et nigériens de l’école d’Intikane. Cet appui est destiné à assurer le paiement des primes de motivation des enseignants et a couvrir une partie des besoins en vivres de la cantine.

Cet appui de l’ONG Hed Tamat est en soit doublement symbolique : comme le confirme le Coordinateur de l’ONG Hed Tamat, il est indéniablement tourné vers le futur: « appuyer l’éducation, c’est appuyer l’avenir. C’est la raison pour laquelle nous nous intéressons de plus en plus à l’éducation sur cette Zone d’Accueil des Réfugiés, en marge des investissements que nous y faisons déjà en matière de soutien aux activités génératrices de revenus» ; Il renverse les habitudes : une structure nationale venant accompagner les efforts d’une organisation internationale faisant face à une réduction drastique de ses fonds pour les réfugiés maliens.

L’éducation dans la zone d’accueil des réfugiés d’Intikane s’apparente à une véritable « succès story ». Avec plus de 1200 élèves, l’école d’Intikane est la plus grande de la région de Tahoua : le taux de scolarisation au primaire des enfants réfugiés d’Intikane est passé de 8% au Mali à 78% au Niger. Mais après 4 ans au Niger, les enfants ont grandi et un nouveau besoin apparait : la continuité vers le secondaire. La Direction Régionale des Enseignements Secondaires de Tahoua vient de faire la demande à son Ministère pour l’ouverture d’un collège dans la localité voisine de Telemces. La mutualisation des efforts se poursuit.

Malam Koura Chetima, Student Representative for the SS2 class of the Distance Education Programme expresses the gratitude of the students to the people of Niger, the authorities, UNHCR and COOPI for the opportunity to continue their education, despite the many odds stacked against them (UNHCR Ibrahim Abdou).

Despite the current difficult situation in the Diffa region, a group of Nigerian students were in high spirits this week. 29 Nigerian refugee Senior Secondary School students returned from a month’s stay in Kano, Nigeria, having successfully completed their Senior Secondary School exams. They are the second group of students to travel to Kano from Diffa to complete their exams this year. In May, 40 Junior Secondary School students travelled to Nigeria to complete their exams, before safely returning to Diffa. The latest group was welcomed back to Diffa by the Secretary General of the Governor of Diffa, the Humanitarian Coordination Cell, UNHCR and COOPI. These students are part of a Distance Education Programme, established by UNHCR and partner COOPI in 2014, with the aim of providing English speaking Nigerian refugees - who were forced to flee the conflict in Nigeria, with the chance to continue their education, and to complete their exams. Four centres were opened in the region in 2014, in the towns of Diffa, Kabelawa, Maine Soara and Bosso. Unfortunately the centre in Bosso was forced to close last year because of the insecurity in the area. However, the three existing centres hosted a total of 377 students for the 2015 – 2016 academic year, 69 of whom had the opportunity to travel to Nigeria to complete their official examinations this year. The Distance Education Programme is fully supported by both the Nigerien and Nigerien authorities, along with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), all of whom undertook a mission to visit the three centres in Diffa last week (1st – 2nd of July). The mission also included representatives of the Regional Directorate of Secondary Education in Diffa, the Ministry of Secondary Education in Niger, The Federal Ministry of Secondary Education in Nigeria, UNHCR and COOPI. During the visit, the students expressed their gratitude to all involved, especially the Nigerien people for not only welcoming them to their country, but for giving them the opportunity to continue their education and to work towards a brighter future. The Student Representative, Malam Koura Chetima (pictured above) proudly assured those present that their efforts were worth it, “we assure you that we have passed the exams…We left here well prepared having received good educational support, and in a spirit of solidarity with our fellow students. We have returned confident and grateful for the opportunity that was offered to us”. Another student, Zeinab Abdoullahi Oumar reflected on the solidarity shown by their fellow Nigerian students and authorities, “we received a very warm welcome in Kano, the committee there made no distinction between us and the official students of the centre. There was a very friendly atmosphere between us and the other students”.

The group of 40 Nigerian students returned to Niger having completed their Final Secondary School Exams. They are all positive for the future and what they can achieve (Ibrahim Abdou UNHCR).

The joint mission was an opportunity for the Nigerien and Nigerian educational authorities to witness first-hand the impact that this project is having on the lives of the students. It was clear that all present were impressed with the project, and were moved to collectively commit to improving it even further for the coming year. All who were present made further commitments to support the project going forward. A particularly positive step was taken by the WAEC who have committed to creating an online platform for an Official Examination Centre in Diffa. This would mean that students wouldn’t have to make the journey back to Nigeria at the end of the year to take their exams. They also committed to provide the necessary additional support to make this goal a reality. Both Educational Ministries – Niger and Nigeria also made further commitments to the students. The Ministry of Secondary Education in Niger confirmed that they would assist in the delivery of identity cards for all of the students, which has been problematic for the students - as is the case for most of the displaced population in the Diffa region who lack identity cards and documentation. They also added that for the coming academic year, students would now have access to laboratory facilities in the Diffa secondary school, to prepare them for their science subjects, and a number of other measures. The Nigerian Educational authorities promised to provide books and educational manuals for the students and to organize further training for the teachers in Nigeria. They also committed to examining whether they might assist in covering the costs of the exams for the students. UNHCR will work on improving the infrastructure available for the coming academic year. A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between UNHCR and the relevant parties to this effect in the coming weeks. The spirit of solidarity shown between the Nigerien and Nigerian authorities in relation to this project is typical of the relationship between the two countries as regards to the conflict in Northern Nigeria. Niger’s hospitality in terms of continuing to welcome refugees in the Diffa has been repeatedly commended internationally. This is also a brave act of resistance to the insurgent forces intent on destroying education systems - no matter the situation and the horror inflicted upon them, the population will continue to fight for a brighter future through education.

Ibrahim and friends enjoying their first classes in the newly established primary school in Kabelawa camp (UNHCR Diffa)

There was cause for celebration in the IDP camp of Kabelawa this month, with the opening of a primary school in the camp. 477 students are now enrolled and attending school on a regular basis, including 50% girls. Sadly, education has been one of the main victims of the conflict in Northern Nigeria and in the Diffa region of Niger. The insecurity in the region has led to the closure of many schools, while those fleeing Northern Nigeria were forced to abandon their schooling. However, concerted efforts are being made to re-establish systems to provide education to those affected.

Ibrahim, like many of those living in Kabelawa camp, was amongst those evacuated from the Lake Chad islands in May 2015. He and his family were forced to abandon everything – their livestock, their homes, and move to the camp. Ibrahim was also forced to abandon his education. However, through efforts from the government, UNHCR and the NGO COOPI, the month of March saw jubilation in the camp, with the commencement of the first classes in the newly established school. Ibrahim and his friends (pictured above) are now enjoying daily classes, and are working hard to catch up on what they missed. As stated by Ibrahim, “I love my school…since we left home I have wanted to return to school. We are all very happy to be able to continue learning here, even if we are far from home”.

Due to insecurity in the region, it was not possible to open the doors of the school in October as planned, however the teachers and the students are making big efforts to catch up on the 5 months of the academic year which they missed, and are even taking classes in the evenings and at weekends to cover the material they missed. In the refugee camp in Sayam Forage, the primary school was opened in October, to coincide with the academic year. 175 refugee students are regularly attending the school. As stated by Adamou, a teacher at the school, “It is essential that the children continue their educations…even in these challenging times. It is a means for them to avoid becoming involved in insurgent activity, and will give them hope for the future”.

Outside of the camps, UNICEF is the lead organisation in the provision of education for displaced children. There are currently 135 official sites along the Route National 1 – the main road in the region. UNICEF currently supports the provision of 31 temporary schools benefitting 1,444 displaced children, including 60 temporary classrooms, and 10 newly constructed permanent classrooms. They also support the government in the provision of temporary classrooms for up to 2,100 additional children. The idea is to integrate the displaced children into the regular education system. For more information on UNICEF’s out-of-camp primary education support, see: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/niger_90717.html.

For secondary education outside of the camps, COOPI, with UNHCR support have established 4 Distance Learning Centres in the localities of Diffa, Kabelawa, Maine Soara and Bosso. Unfortunately the centre in Bosso had to be closed due to the insecurity in the area. The Distance Learning Centres are aimed at assisting Anglophone refugees living outside of the camps to continue their education in English, through the Nigerian curriculum. The programme has been approved by the Nigerian and Nigerien governments, allowing the students to complete their exams at the end of the academic year. Almost 400 students are currently benefitting from this programme in the region, which will be scaled up in 2016 with an interactive learning platform.

L’année scolaire s’est achevée sur une note de satisfaction au niveau de trois centres d’enseignement à distance pour les élevés refugiés anglophones du Nigéria vivant dans la région de Diffa. À travers son partenaire de mise en œuvre COOPI, le HCR réalisa la création en 2014 des centres d’enseignement à distance dans la région de Diffa.

Ainsi les villes de Mainé , Diffa et Kabléwa totalisent aujourd’hui 212 étudiants qui ont fini l’année académique 2015 avec succès. 95 étudiants au centre de Mainé dont 28 filles ; 75 étudiants au centre de Diffa dont 24 filles et 42 étudiants au centre de Kabléwa dont 7 filles.

Des évaluations ont été effectuées au cours de deux semestres de l’année au centre de Mainé et de Diffa, mais à Kabléwa l’année n’a connu qu’une seule évaluation. Des fortes proportions de moyennes au cours des évaluations ont fait l’objet de l’appréciation des bons niveaux des élèves et de la qualité de l’encadrement reçu par les étudiants. Globalement les 3 centres enregistrent un taux de moyennes de 68%. Malheureusement, encore on note le manque de tuteurs pour certaines disciplines le long de l’année scolaire telles que : Agriculture ; Français et hausa dans la généralité des centres et, à Kabléwa spécifiquement où la Chimie a cessé d’être enseignée suite au départ du tuteur de cours durant l’année. Des compétences ont manqué pour prendre en charge ces disciplines.

Les classes d’examen ont raté les sessions d'examen de Juin au Nigéria. Néanmoins, 80 candidats ont pu passer la deuxième session de Juillet en tant qu’auditeurs libres, dont les résultats ne sont pas encore disponibles. A cet effet, le partenaire de l’UNHCR de mise en œuvre du programme (COOPI) est en train de prendre toutes les dispositions pour la facilitation d’une session en décembre en faveur de ces étudiants.

Étudiants au centre d’éducation à distance de Mainé : Photo©UNHCR/Ibrahim Abdou Oumarou

The fate of more than 200 Nigerian female students abducted in Nigeria since April moves the world. Among the estimated 50,000 forcibly displaced persons from Nigeria that have entered Diffa region since last year, there are several hundred students that had to interrupt their studies in Nigeria because of the prevailing insecurity in that country. They are now here in Niger unable to continue their studies in the French language and a curriculum that is alien to them. Hence, UNHCR and the Niger government requested Ms. Felda Asaava, a reputed educationist with rich experience at designing educational programmes in refugee situations, to plan for secondary education for English-speaking students from Nigeria that will begin with the next academic year in October 2014.
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Photo Tamfu©UNHCR July 2014: Nigerian displaced youths at Ajiri Village in Diffa waiting for education