On November 9, 2026, Niger's Minister of National Education, Dr. Elisabeth Shérif, visited the Hassane BANA BA School for the Deaf in Niamey as part of the "one week, one school" initiative. The school, which opened in 1980, currently has 138 students, including 48 girls, and a staff of 11 teachers and one social assistant. The school's director, Abdoulaye Amadou Sandi, welcomed the minister and highlighted the school's achievements.
The school has made significant progress in recent years, with a pass rate of 43.75% in 2023-2024, 57.89% in 2024-2025, and 84.61% in 2025-2026. The director attributed this success to the government's renewed focus on education since the events of July 26, 2023. He also requested the minister's assistance in improving the school's infrastructure and resources, including a capacity-building program in sign language and the construction of a kitchen.
Dr. Shérif expressed her honor in visiting the school and praised the students and staff for their achievements. She noted that the school's emphasis on patriotism and national values was heartwarming and commended the staff for their efforts. The minister also acknowledged the school's challenges and promised to address them, saying that the government would take steps to support the school.
The minister's visit also included a tour of the school's gardens, which feature a well, a fish farm, and a Moringa cultivation area. The produce from these gardens contributes to the school's meal program. The school's president, Abdourahamane Seyni, thanked the minister for her support and noted that the Association of the Deaf in Niger had established the school to provide education to children with special needs.
The Hassane BANA BA School for the Deaf has made significant strides in providing education to children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The school's staff and students have demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence and national values. The minister's visit highlighted the government's commitment to supporting education initiatives, particularly for children with special needs.
The "one week, one school" initiative aims to promote education and highlight the achievements of schools across Niger. The minister's visit to the Hassane BANA BA School for the Deaf is part of this effort to engage with schools and communities and identify areas for improvement. The initiative also seeks to promote inclusive education and provide opportunities for children with special needs.
At the end of her visit, Dr. Shérif was presented with a certificate of appreciation by the school's administrators. The minister's visit was seen as a positive step towards addressing the challenges faced by the school and promoting education for children with special needs. The school's achievements and challenges will likely inform future education initiatives and policy decisions.
Key points
- The Niger government has prioritized education since the events of July 26, 2023.
- The Hassane BANA BA School for the Deaf has seen significant improvements in its pass rates in recent years.
- The minister's visit highlighted the need for continued support and resources for schools catering to children with special needs.
