The school bell had just rung, signaling the end of the lesson. Yet, for these 9- to 12-year-olds at the Gaya mission school, the day’s discussion on their rights extended into the corridors, sparking lively conversations:

One child remarked, “Before this lesson, I truly believed rights were only for grown-ups, like driving or voting.”

Another enthusiastically added, “Yes, we have the right to receive medical care when we’re sick, and no one is allowed to harm us.”

A third student contributed, “Friends, we can also express ourselves. So, our parents and teachers should listen to us. If we need something, we can explain it without fear of being scolded.”

Today, the teacher had dedicated the ethics class to exploring the concept of children’s rights. It’s a unique subject whose impact clearly transcends the classroom walls.

Aïssatou, the dedicated educator, immediately noticed the positive ripple effects of her lesson as soon as the notebooks were closed. She shared, “Indeed, the discussion continued because, after the class, I observed how excited the students were to realize they possessed rights themselves. You know, children absorb so much during ethics lessons. They truly remember and implement everything we teach them.”

Instilling fundamental values in young learners

The teaching of rights follows the ‘Approach by Competencies’ (APC) pedagogical method, tailored to different age groups, as explained by advisor Omar. He noted, “From kindergarten, we introduce children to their rights through engaging stories and simple songs. We emphasize their right to education and health. As they progress to secondary school, this evolves into civics and ethics courses. At the primary level, it’s solely ethics. Through these lessons, we lay the groundwork for their understanding of human rights.”

The challenge of rights awareness

However, not all children in Niger have the opportunity to reach secondary education. Many drop out, continuing their development without ever encountering these crucial concepts of rights. For instance, I encountered an eleven-year-old boy on the street, diligently collecting plastic bottles. Off-microphone, he confided that he believed “rights are exclusively for adults.” This poignant encounter underscores the urgent necessity of educating children about their rights beyond the confines of classrooms and blackboards.