Niger faces a severe education crisis. Once, nearly 78% of children went to school, but by 2023, enrolment dropped sharply to 58%. Because of ongoing violence and insecurity, many families have fled their homes, and over half a million people were displaced by the end of 2024. By early 2024, about 940 schools across Niger had closed, leaving more than 74,000 children without classrooms and nearly 1,800 teachers without schools. In 2025, the crisis worsened. In the region of Tillabéry alone, more than 1,000 schools shut, affecting over 93,000 children. Without safe schools, many children are forced to stay at home. Some attend makeshift “bridge classes,” but often these lack space, teachers, books, and safety; sometimes classes happen in huts or damaged buildings. The consequences are serious. Children who miss school risk never returning. Many face dangers such as early marriage, child labour, or recruitment by armed groups. Even efforts to help, rebuilding schools, providing textbooks, or offering remote audio lessons, reach only part of those in need. Niger’s children are losing valuable years of learning. Unless security improves and greater support arrives, an entire generation could miss the education they need.

LORD, we stand in the gap for all the children in Niger. We plead for Your divine intervention in the country so that the little souls have access to education and other basic needs. LORD, equip them and use them for Your Glory, Father (The Holy Bible, Psalm 127:4).

Pray for wise counsel for the authorities to rejuvenate the education system and to curb the increasing violence, which increases the number of school dropouts in Niger. Pray for an improved security system in the country (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 20:18).

News Source: Concern Worldwide

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