The school bell had just signaled the end of class, yet for a group of children aged 9 to 12 at the Gaya mission school, the day’s discussion on human rights continued vibrantly in the hallways. One student reflected, “Before this lesson, I truly believed rights were only for adults, like driving or voting.” Another enthusiastically added, “Yes, we have the right to be cared for when we’re sick, and no one has the right to harm us.” A third child chimed in, “Friends, we can speak up too! So, our parents and teachers must listen to us. If we need something, we should be able to explain it without fear of being scolded.”

Today, the teacher had introduced the crucial topic of children’s rights during their ethics class. It’s a unique subject whose impact clearly extends far beyond the classroom walls.

For Aïssatou, the dedicated educator, the positive effects of these lessons are noticeable almost immediately once the notebooks are closed. “Indeed, the discussion continues,” she observed. “I myself noticed the students were truly excited by the idea that they possessed their own rights. You know, children learn a great deal during these moral lessons. They memorize and actively put into practice everything we teach them,” she explained.

Instilling Fundamental Values in Young Learners

According to educational advisor Omar, children’s rights are taught using the Competency-Based Approach (APC), adapted to different educational levels. “From kindergarten, we introduce children to their rights through engaging tales and simple songs. We cover fundamental aspects like the right to education and healthcare. Progressively, as students advance to secondary school, this content evolves into civics and moral instruction. At the primary level, it’s exclusively part of the ethics curriculum. Through these varied methods, we lay the foundational understanding of human rights for them,” he explained.

Addressing the Gaps in Rights Awareness

However, not every child in Niger has the privilege of continuing their education through secondary school. Many unfortunately drop out, growing up without ever gaining access to these essential notions of their rights. On the streets, I encountered an eleven-year-old boy collecting plastic bottles. Off-microphone, he quietly confided that “rights are reserved for adults.” This poignant observation highlights the critical urgency of extending this vital education beyond traditional classrooms and blackboards, ensuring every child in society Africa understands their inherent entitlements.