Reporter Ousmane Abdou (left) talks with a child in Bawbéri

Children in rural Niger often don’t have a voice, even in matters that directly concern them. But Plan is using radio to give Niger’s children a platform – to speak out about their own rights.

Children can speak freely

Throughout May, Plan Niger, Dosso regional radio and the regional Child Protection Office organised village-wide gatherings in 20 communities. Children spoke – in front of entire villages – about their rights and how they should be upheld. The project, called Zankey Jinda (Children’s Voices) in the local language, Djerma, records each session and broadcasts it on the radio. 

“It motivates the children,” says Ousmane Abdou, the reporter who leads the gatherings. “They want to express themselves, there’s a shortage [of opportunities to do this] in Niger. These events are an opportunity for children to speak freely.” 

Fundamental rights

The gathering in Bawbéri, a small village 50 km from regional capital Dosso, was vibrant and animated. Music echoed through the village as night fell, and the team danced with children to create a friendly, informal atmosphere. As a crowd gathered, Ousmane took the microphone and asked for children to come forward.

Children spoke enthusiastically, bringing up many of their fundamental rights. Some talked of the need for better support for students. Others mentioned health and sanitation, child labour or early marriage. One small child raised a laugh, saying: “When a baby is born, it has to be given a name.”

Building on what the children said, a regional child protection official explained several points about children’s rights.

Increasing awareness

In Niger, it is truly extraordinary for a child to be able to say – in front of her parents and teachers – that he or she is being overworked at home and cannot study. 

Indeed, many adults looked around uncomfortably or laughed nervously while their children called them out on various issues - in Niger, adults usually dictate to rather than listen to children. However, these sessions increase adults’ awareness and, according to Ousmane, lead to better enforcement of child rights.

“It’s a victory for the children,” he says.

As the session closed, the best contributors were rewarded with a t-shirt. The Bawbéri session was broadcast on the 8th of June , giving these children, who have never been on the radio before, the confidence of knowing that they have a voice.