Pathways to Learning for Peace in Niger: Nonformal and Social Emotional Skills Development contributing to stable societal gains

• In Event: Teachable Moments: Reimagining Education for Peacebuilding in a Divided World A Panel Discussion on Nigeria, Syria, Sudan, and Niger

Proposal

This paper explores the critical role of nonformal education and social emotional learning (SEL) as pathways to peace and stability in Niger, a nation grappling with the fallout of the July 2023 military coup, suspended international aid, and escalating jihadist threats. With over 1.5 million children out of school—the highest rate in West Africa—and female literacy at a global low of 19%, the formal education system is severely compromised, with over 3,000 schools closed due to insecurity. This crisis is compounded by long-standing traditional resistance to formal schooling, particularly for girls, which has resulted in only 32% of girls completing primary education. This research argues that these crises present a "teachable moment" to pivot from failing formal systems toward innovative, community-based educational models that can foster resilience and social cohesion.


Using a qualitative case study approach, this paper analyzes the implementation and outcomes of nonformal and SEL programs in rural communities in Niger. The study examines how these alternative models, which are often less reliant on state infrastructure and more adaptable to local contexts, effectively address educational exclusion and contribute to peacebuilding. The findings demonstrate that by empowering local communities with ownership of their children’s learning, these models not only bypass security and political barriers but also build trust and skills essential for long-term stability. The research highlights how the integration of SEL into curricula helps children and youth process trauma, resolve conflicts, and develop empathy, which are foundational skills for peacebuilding in a divided society.


The paper’s contribution lies in its demonstration of how bottom-up, flexible educational approaches can serve as a powerful tool for positive peace in fragile contexts where the formal system has collapsed. It highlights that in Niger, where both traditional and modern barriers to education exist, nonformal and SEL programs offer a crucial lifeline, especially for the most marginalized children. By providing a clear framework for how these interventions can be scaled and supported, this research offers a practical guide for policymakers and practitioners to foster educational and societal gains in a climate of political instability and protracted conflict.

Author

• Deepa Srikantaiah, American University - School of Education