In a world where educational access is often taken for granted, millions of children, especially girls, face daily barriers to learning. In Niger, where only 51% of children attend primary school and a mere 19% continue to secondary school, the need for investment in education is urgent. Ranked 189 out of 191 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI), Niger continues to hold the lowest position on the Education Index. But in the town of Kollo, hope is rising, brick by brick.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Acronis, its generous partners Applewood IT, BCS, CloudClevr, EveryCloud, Giacom, Grey Matter, Holker, Itps, Six Degrees, Switchshop, Westcoast, and Westcoast Cloud, along with its NGO allies Groundbreaker and the Remember Niger Coalition, a new chapter in girls’ education has begun. The newly built two-room resource center at the Kollo Girls’ School is more than just a building. It’s a beacon of opportunity.
Construction, which began in January 2025 and was completed by the end of June, progressed smoothly and on schedule. The center was designed to meet local needs sustainably. The school currently houses 10 computers, and Acronis will donate 20 more, enhancing access to digital literacy tools and STEAM education for all students.
To support both students and teachers, the center includes a RACHEL learning system, books, tablets, and creative materials. Teacher training has also been prioritized to ensure that the integration of digital tools enriches classroom experiences. As part of the long-term vision, the resource center will eventually serve the wider Kollo community, offering digital literacy programs for adults as well.
“This new resource center represents hope for our students and our community. With access to books, technology, and a quiet place to study, we believe our students will begin to dream bigger and aim higher. It is an investment in the future of our children, and we are deeply grateful,” says Aichatou, Directress of Kollo Girls’ School. These words resonate powerfully in a region where dreams are often limited by a lack of infrastructure. For the 39 girls currently enrolled, and the 80 expected in the coming months, the center is more than a facility, it’s a lifeline.
Sakina’s story
Among the students benefiting from the new center is Sakina, an eight-year-old second grader. The youngest of nine siblings, Sakina faced unimaginable loss when both her parents passed away within two years. Today, she lives with her aunt and attends the Kollo Girls’ School, where she has become known for her cheerful spirit and curiosity.
With the opening of the new resource center, Sakina now has access to storybooks, learning games, and hands-on materials. For her, it is a place where she feels safe and encouraged — a place that offers “hope, discovery, and belonging.”
The Kollo Girls’ School is not only transforming students’ lives, but also bringing the local community together. From the female mayor to grandmothers and caretakers, community members are actively engaged in the school’s development and future. Regular monitoring, quarterly visits, and continuous feedback loops ensure that the center remains responsive to evolving needs.
At the Acronis Cyber Foundation Program, we believe in the power of knowledge to transform lives. The resource center in Kollo is just one example of how partnership, purpose, and persistence can create lasting change. But there is more to be done.
As the school grows, so does the need for additional resources, training, and support. With your help, we can continue to provide better learning and life opportunities to girls in underserved communities. If you’d like to be part of this journey, reach out to us at foundation@acronis.org. We’d love to explore how you or your organization can support education where it’s needed most.