Niamey, NIGER September 29, 2022 — The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will invest $4.5 million over the next two years to support girls and youth in the Maradi, Tillaberi and Zinder regions.
The $4.5 million will be made through USAID GirlEngage Niger, an activity which will encourage girls aged 9-15 years old to stay in school longer and delay early child marriage. To achieve this, USAID GirlEngage Niger will help girls access basic education and understand future economic rewards for families with educated girls. The activity will promote the participation and support of religious and community leaders, parents, teachers and protection committees.
The implementation of GirlEngage Niger will be led by Plan International, an international organization with several decades of experience in the field of girls’ rights. Other organizations working with Plan International to ensure GirlEngage Niger’s success are the Coalition of Nigerien Associates, Trade Unions, NGOs for Education for All (ASO EPT-Niger), and SONGES NGO.
Today’s official launch of USAID GirlEngage Niger was attended by the Nigerien government’s national authorities, religious and traditional leaders, representatives of the United Nations, and international and local NGOs, as well as a USAID delegation from Washington, D.C.
The government of Niger has made significant efforts to increase access to educational opportunities for girls to learn in safe environments through the adoption of the National Strategy for Women's Empowerment and its five-year action plan 2018–2022, the adoption of the Education and Training Sector Programme (PSEF, 2014-2024), the implementation of Transition Plan (PTSEF, 2020-2022) and the development of the National Strategy for the Acceleration of Education and Training for Girls and Women (SNAEFFF, 2020-2030).
To request an interview or for more information, please contact:
Maria Holsopple, Director, Corporate Communications
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 540-383-3628
