Well - two years ago in fall 2013, I started a mini-school in my village ... the children receiving school for four hours each week - learning to read, write, speak French, and do math. The intent was always to petition the school system to open a government school. We started the paperwork - one letter going to many gov't offices. And we kept track of this letter through the system as it traveled all across the city of Niamey to various gov't offices.
We lost track of the letter on the last step as it was forwarded to the Inspector's office on our behalf. After eight months of my national friend being unable to meet with the Inspector, I headed down to the office in August. Alas, after 1.5 years - the paper was lost! However, having met with the Inspector - he informed me his job was to open a school wherever there were at least twenty students ... and he promised to open one "this school year".
October came around - and the Inspector kept his promise!! He sent a teacher to the village and supplied school materials and a flag. The parents built the straw hut school building and bought a table and chair for the teacher. And I bought a blackboard and textbooks!
Opening day of school arrived - and the parents came with the children!! They were so excited and proud to see the school in their village - culmination of their desire! That I know of, none of these parents - aside from one mother - have been to school. The one mother who has gone did not finish .... yet they have valued school for their children!
The school children all came as well - 29 children ages 6-7 are registered and excited to be here as well! We brought them school textbooks and they all came one by one with their school bags to get their new materials for the year.
What a class photo ... first day of school!
Stay tuned as the saga of schools continues in the coming weeks!
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