Photo by RET

Article by Murielle Ndikumazambo, Country Director in Niger

TILLABERI, NIGER – In To mark the Day of the African Child (DAC), celebrated annually on June 16, RET Germany and its partners organized activities in two of its intervention areas: Ayorou and Ouallam, in the Tillabéri region (Niger).

A clear objective: To integrate children’s rights into planning and budgets

Under the theme “Budgeting and Planning for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,” this day provided an opportunity to reflect on the efforts made by governments and partners to include children in public policies, even at the community and family levels. Above all, it provided an opportunity to give children a voice, to listen to them, and to place them at the center of reflection and action.

The ceremonies brought together:

• Local authorities: prefectures, town halls, technical services (DDPF/PE, school inspectorates); Technical and financial partners: UNHCR, OCHA, PLAN International, CIAUD, GOOD NEIGHBORS, DIKO, COOPI, ADES, CNE;
• Representatives of refugee, internally displaced, and host communities, as well as more than 500 children.

In Ayorou, group games (sack races, penalty shootouts, water relays) spread joy, strengthened team spirit, and provided a fun way to address children’s rights. A question-and-answer session allowed the children to discuss their needs, rights, and the challenges they face on a daily basis. The discussions highlighted the importance of planning and allocating specific resources for children’s health, education, protection, and participation.

In Ouallam, the children presented a thematic parade on the 10 rights of the child, followed by the reading of a moving plea by a refugee girl, followed by a cultural event. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of school and hygiene kits to 12 deserving primary and secondary school students, rewarding their perseverance in an often difficult context.

Photo by RET

Children’s Testimonies

🗣 “Today, I learned that every child has the right to school, to health, and to be protected. I want to become a nurse to care for others. Thank you to RET Germany for giving us joy while teaching us our rights.” – Salamatu, 12, refugee in Ayorou

🗣 “This is the first time anyone has asked me what I think about changing things. I would like all children to be able to go to school. This day made me want to stand up for my friends.” – Issoufou, 13, internally displaced person in Ayorou

🗣 “Even if we don’t have a lot of money, we have to think about us children. I understood that schools and hospitals need planning.” » – Mariam, 10, host community in Ayorou

🗣 “I learned that children need to be listened to when adults make plans. I didn’t know they could make a budget for us.” – Abdou, 11, refugee in Ayorou

🗣 “What I enjoyed most was walking with others to talk about our rights. We felt listened to.” – Salamatu, 14, refugee in Ouallam

A renewed commitment to the future

Beyond the games and songs, this day was a powerful moment of collective reflection, advocacy, and commitment to children in humanitarian crises. RET Germany and its partners reaffirm their commitment to supporting the state and communities to ensure a dignified, secure, and participatory future for children.

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