In Niger, West Africa, a Japanese private organization operates Terakoya. The literacy rate is as low as 15%, and the aim is to improve the lives of children by supporting the study of children who are unable to attend school or who have dropped out of school. One of the reasons is Niger and Japan's little-known relationship.
Quorategi village, about 35 km east of Niger's capital, Niamey, has a population of about 1300. Four years ago, “TERAKOYA Same” was created. It is operated by Common Niger (Secretariat, Moriya City, Ibaraki Prefecture) working to support Niger children from Japan. “Same” is the name of a Japanese support company.
The simple thatched-back Terakoya is about 12-13 tatami mats in size. There is no electricity or water. Currently, 14 children are taught French literacy and math from Ibrahim Gado (35).
Ali Zibo (14) quit elementary school in a year. "I didn't think it was important." However, he says that he can't live a stable life without studying, and he goes to Terakoya. If the grade is excellent and passes the examination next year, it will proceed to junior high school. “I want to be a customs officer in the future,” he says.
The curriculum is basically 2 years. Over the past four years, 70 people aged 9-14 learned. Some children return to elementary school or go to junior high school or vocational school. Fatty Haruna (11) is one of 11 girls who studied there. I studied for two years and returned to elementary school last year. “I want to go to junior high school and become an elementary school teacher in the future.”
The reason why Terakoya was established was ...