Swiss Cooperation Visit to Maradi: Advancing Alternative Education and Empowering Youth Integration

An Innovative Program for Youth Education and Integration

The PEAJ provides a second chance at education for out-of-school or never-schooled youth aged 9 to 14, fostering their socio-professional integration. The program is built around Community Centers for Alternative Education for Youth (CCEAJ), a non-formal educational framework recognized and institutionalized by the Nigerien government.

To date, 315 CCEAJ have been established, including 191 in the Maradi region. These centers have enabled over 21,000 youth to acquire academic and professional skills, equipping them for further education, vocational training, or direct entry into the workforce.

Key features of CCEAJ

• Bilingual education: Courses are offered in national languages and French.
• Multi-level pedagogy: Tailored teaching for learners at varying levels.
• Contextualized learning: Practical knowledge adapted to the local context.

Spotlight on Maijanguero: Community-Driven Impact

On November 26, the delegation visited Maijanguero, a village in the Tchadoua commune, where they were warmly welcomed by local authorities, including the Prefect of Aguié department and the village chief. The community expressed heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing support of the Swiss Cooperation.

The visit highlighted significant achievements in the region, including:

• Educational infrastructure: Construction of a dedicated classroom for CCEAJ, latrine blocks, and an autonomous water point in Maijanguero.
• Youth empowerment: Upon completing their education, beneficiaries can continue their studies, pursue vocational training, or enter the workforce with personalized support.

The representative from the Regional Directorate of National Education (DREN) presented the broader impact of PEAJ, emphasizing its role in improving educational access and outcomes for marginalized youth.

The village chief praised the program, highlighting its effectiveness in transforming local education and providing young people with hope and opportunity.

Vocational Training: A Gateway to Employment

The delegation continued to Aguié, where they visited the Vocational Training Center (CFM). The center offers practical training to CCEAJ graduates, equipping them with market-relevant skills tailored to the local economy.

Training areas at CFM

• Rural mechanics: Repairing grain mills, supported by tool kits.
• Tire vulcanization: Essential services tailored to rural communities.
• Cellphone repair: A growing sector supported by solar kits to address power outages.
• Poultry farming: Training in poultry production, including incubators and veterinary supplies

Addressing Challenges to Professional Integration

Despite the program's successes, integrating youth into the workforce remains challenging due to their young age (14–16 years) and limited local economic opportunities. To mitigate these obstacles, a robust post-training follow-up mechanism has been implemented. Local authorities and training advisors work closely with beneficiaries to support their transition into the workforce and ensure effective use of the integration kits provided.