A school in Gaya, a town in southwestern Niger, is breaking new ground by teaching children about their fundamental rights. This initiative comes to light during the African Children’s Day, highlighting a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of education.

Lessons that resonate beyond the classroom

As the final bell rings, the students—aged between 9 and 12—linger in the corridors, buzzing with newfound awareness. Their reflections reveal a shift in perspective:

• “Before, I thought rights were only for grown-ups, like driving a car or voting.”
• “We have the right to medical care when we’re sick, and no one can harm us.”
• “Our voices matter too. Teachers and parents must listen to us. If we need something, we can explain it without getting scolded.”

Today’s lesson, part of a moral education class, sparked conversations that didn’t end with the dismissal bell. Aïssatou, the teacher, observed the children’s excitement firsthand: “After class, I noticed how eager they were to discuss their new understanding of rights. Children absorb and act on what they learn in these lessons—it’s remarkable how quickly they apply these concepts.”

Building a foundation of human rights from an early age

This educational approach follows the Competency-Based Approach (APC), a method that introduces children to their rights progressively. Omar, a pedagogical advisor, explains: “Starting in preschool, children learn about their rights through stories and songs. By primary school, they explore these ideas in moral education classes, where they grasp the basics of human rights. Secondary school builds on this with civic instruction.”

A stark reality for many children

Not all children in Niger have the opportunity to attend school regularly. Some, like an 11-year-old boy collecting plastic bottles in the streets, have never been inside a classroom. His words echo a harsh truth: “Rights are only for adults.” This stark misconception underscores the urgent need to extend human rights education beyond traditional learning spaces.

The school in Gaya serves as a reminder that education is more than textbooks and exams—it’s a tool to empower the next generation with the knowledge they need to claim their rights and shape their futures.