More than 100 integrated preschools for rural children

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNICEF are joining forces to bring essential early childhood services to rural children in Niger. In an agreement signed today, JICA and UNICEF will support the creation of at least 100 integrated community preschools over the next two years reaching out to rural children in two of the country’s regions with the lowest school enrollment rates.

Rural preschools began to appear only five years ago in Niger with the support of partners such as UNICEF, and enrollments have increased dramatically since. To reach the goals of the 10-year education plan in Niger, an additional 80,000 children will need to be enrolled in preschools in the next five years, making the creation of new facilities all the more important.

‘Early childhood care is essential to give each child the best start in life’, said UNICEF Representative in Niger, Akhil Iyer. ‘It is crucial in preparing young children for school. But in parallel, we must collectively also make every effort to ensure that schools are ready for children.’

Community preschools make a substantial contribution in bringing children into the school system earlier, increasing their chances to enroll and perform well in primary school. In addition, preschools have proven a strong strategy for promoting girls’ education. According to national statistics, girls make up 50 per cent of preschool enrollments, compared to 41.5 per cent of primary enrollments.

Using a community-based strategy also allows for a rapid expansion of preschool services.

Through this partnership, JICA supports communities to set up democratic participatory management structures and put in place the tools and mechanisms to ensure sustainability.

In the same communities, UNICEF supports teacher training, curriculum development, activities for school readiness and life skills promotion, educational toy supplies and monitoring and evaluation of child competencies and preschool standards.

Parents also get the chance to learn alongside their children through parenting education programmes and regular participation in preschool management and activities.