Dosso girls dormitory exemplifies gender balance push

In Niger, most primary school graduates are unable to continue their studies. The problem is particularly acute for girls. In October 2004, Plan Niger opened a dormitory in Dosso so that some girls who finished primary school could continue their studies. 

Plan Niger selected the 45 most academically promising sponsored girls among the primary school graduates in the region’s villages, and they now dorm in Dosso, where they get meals, accommodation and tutoring.  The day-to-day operations of the dormitory are managed by a local education-focused nongovernmental organization and by the girls themselves.  Plan Niger intends to open a similar girls’ dormitory in Tillabery soon.

This is just one of Plan's many activities designed to get more children into school for longer and to eliminate gender disparity. First, Plan encourages parents to send their girls to school, rather than keeping them home doing chores.  Plan raises awareness among parents about the benefits of giving girls an education, recognizes academically successful girls by awarding certificates, and holds an annual girls’ education festival in the villages and in Dosso.

Secondly, Plan strives to improve the quality of education for girls in its villages, and create a safe and welcoming environment for girls. Plan trains teachers on gender sensitivity to reduce sexism in the classroom, and help ensure the girls’ physical safety. Practical elements like gardening are included in the curriculum plus extracurricular activities like volleyball that enhance girls’ self-esteem. And gender-specific latrines for schools ensure girls’ confidence and comfort and reduce shame. In July 2004, Plan Niger sponsored a national girls’ education conference to raise awareness about the importance of sending girls to school, as well as strategies for ensuring their academic success.

In just three years, since Plan Niger’s 2001 baseline study, the percentage of girls in elementary school jumped from 25 to 42 percent in 2004.