The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), with support from Azerbaijan’s Heydar Aliyev Foundation and in partnership with the NGO Youth, Peace, and Development (JEPADE), has launched the project “Educational and Social Support for Displaced and Boarding School Girls” in the Republic of Niger, benefiting 5,150 girls and women.

The project aims to improve water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools, support literacy efforts, facilitate access to non-formal education, expand women’s economic empowerment opportunities, and raise awareness of the importance of women’s participation in peacebuilding and efforts to mitigate the impact of crises.

The launch ceremony, held on Thursday, 15 October 2026, both via videoconference and in person in Niamey, brought together Mr. Anar Alakbarov, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; Mr. Elh Idi Abdou, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of National Education, Literacy and Promotion of National Languages; Mr. Assoumane Mahamadou, Executive Secretary of Niger’s National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO; and Mr. Laminou Garba, National Coordinator of JEPADE; as well as the representatives of several educational institutions in Niger.

The project is part of ICESCO’s ongoing efforts to advance education and human development in its Member States, strengthen resilience, and provide solutions to the challenges facing the most vulnerable communities across the Islamic world.