Photo by RET

Article by Jean Baptiste Gihugu, Project Communications Officer (EMEAA) for RET

TAMOU, NIGER – In the border town of Tamou located in the southwestern Niger, 80 km from the department of Say on the edge of the border between Niger and Burkina Faso, life was once marked by the bustling rhythm of its weekly market. Yet, since 2015, this community has faced waves of violence from armed groups and jihadist attacks, leaving schools under threat and families in fear. The instability has forced many children out of school, depriving them of the chance to learn and thrive. But hope has emerged for the children of Tamou through RET’s efforts, with support from BMZ, to ensure  access to education for out-of-school youth.

One such child is Rafia Boubacar. At 12, Rafia had never set foot in a classroom, yet she longed to learn just like her friends in Tamou’s Bolsi neighborhood. Her father, a gold prospector, and her mother, a homemaker, struggled to provide this opportunity amidst the area’s challenges. But Rafia’s dream began to take shape when her parents attended a community session organized by RET, which emphasized the importance of education, particularly for girls. Inspired, Rafia’s parents decided to give her the chance to pursue her education.

Photo by RET

Rafia recalls her first day at the SSA/P (Stratégie de Scolarisation Accélérée à travers les Passerelles) bridge center in Tamou with joy: “My first day at the center was one of my happiest memories. I never imagined I’d have the chance to go to school, like my friends.” Once enrolled, Rafia’s dedication was immediate and profound. Her instructors quickly noted her focus and punctuality, with Rafia consistently being among the first to arrive each day. Through her commitment, she excelled, finishing her 2022 evaluation with one of the highest grades.

Today, Rafia is a star student in CE2A (equivalent to Grade 3) at Tamou’s local school. Her teacher describes her as studious, calm, and focused. Despite starting school later than her peers, Rafia has distinguished herself in subjects like math, reading, and writing. This year, she’s earned the top spot in her class of 33 students, achieving a remarkable 9.34/10 average—an accomplishment that set her apart across two classes.

Her dream? To become a nurse, helping her family and her community access essential healthcare.

Rafia’s journey is a testament to the power of education to transform lives, even in the most challenging circumstances. She hopes that RET and BMZ will continue to open doors for other girls, offering them the same second chance she has embraced with determination. Rafia’s story reflects a powerful truth: with the right support and a chance to learn, every child can build a brighter future.

This project is being implemented by RET in Niger in partnership with SongEs, from 2021 to 2024, with generous support from German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

To help us continue this critical work in Niger and across the world, make a donation to RET today.