International Focus - Niger, West Africa

We envision a world in which access to EDUCATION is equitable for ALL people.

Our mission is to make education an attainable goal for the most disadvantaged in our world, so that all may be afforded the possibilities that can be achieved through learning.

Perhaps no where on earth is the need for education more acute than Niger . Literacy rates in the country are the lowest in all of Africa , and women’s literacy rates are the lowest in the world. During her Peace Corps service in 2000, Co-founder and Director of Educate Tomorrow, Virginia Emmons, helped the village of Kabey Fo realize a dream. Although devastated by famine that year, the villagers’ first priority was education. Ms. Emmons worked with the village and the local government to develop the budget for construction and operation of a primary school. Together they outlined curricula and staffing plans, and solicited funding, as well as government recognition for the school. An Adult Literacy Program was also developed to support the community. Funding was raised by Co-founders Lucy Spoerk of Muskego, WI, and Melissa McCarthy of Washington, D.C. Additional funds were also granted by the U.S. Ambassador of Niger.

Special thanks goes out to Devon Esrick and her father Steven Esrick, co-founders of Hope Through Education. With a donation of $21,000 the village of Kabey Fo was able to construct what is now a 4 classroom education site, with latrines and a health clinic. The education quarters has been renamed, the Devon Esrick Education Center in honor of Devon, the 16 year old young woman who had the courage and determination to start a non profit. Devon was also the recipient of Educate Tomorrow's 2008 Inspiration in Service Award.

Established under the same principals as the Miami-based efforts, these educational programs are designed to provide inspiration, guidance and support to lead the children and adults on the path of life-long learning. Some of the first students graduated from primary school this year. To facilitate their continued success, Educate Tomorrow has established a pilot program for a dormitory about 2 km from the nearest secondary school, which provides room and board, as well as tutoring to 15 secondary school students from Kabey Fo. These programs continue to be funded by generous donations to Educate Tomorrow’s International Outreach Program.

Educate Tomorrow, Corp is an international not for profit certified 501 (c) (3). We believe that the best way to stop the cycle of poverty and neglect is education. Currently, Educate Tomorrowis the only NGO operating anywhere within this region of Niger. We are committed to the people of the Kirtachi region and respect their desire to progress independently. We stand by them in their efforts to develop a long-term solution.

READ MORE about The Kabey Fo Primary School, Literacy Program & Health Clinic

READ MORE about The Kirtachi Dormitory Pilot Project

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