As part of its commitment to social development initiatives for local communities within the areas where it is exploring, Australian gold explorer Middle Island Resources completed the building of a new primary school in a remote south-western area of Koutougou, in Niger, in December. Australia’s then ambassador to Nigeria, with accreditation in Niger, Ian McConville, opened the school.

The funding for the school is part of Middle Island’s commitment to spend 5% of its total yearly exploration budget in its three West African jurisdictions, which comprise Burkina Faso, Niger and Liberia.

Middle Island says that the project, in the Koutougou village, consists of the construction of three concrete brick classrooms; desk and chair furniture for teachers and students; the construction of two latrine blocks; the installation of a water hand pump within the grounds; and the provision of school supplies.

The school, which is made up of two teachers and 40 pupils, will be adjacent to the company’s 70%-owned Nassilé project. It has been designed to accommodate up to 90 learners, including those from outlying areas, who will be encouraged to attend school, many for the first time.

The company notes that previous experience indicates that lessons are commonly taken back to parents for application in the domestic environment, thereby extending the educational reach of such projects to the wider community.

Such immediately useful lessons include the correct use of latrines and hand washing, along with the safe storage of drinking water in the home. Actions to promote hygiene have targeted students and the general community to raise awareness of the importance of good hygiene practices for staying healthy.

To ensure the sustainability of the project, activities have also focused on the capacity building of local management structures, in particular the Parents Association, the Mothers for Education Association, the school management committee and the teachers themselves.

The Australian government, a water access financing group from France and the local Makalondi community assisted Middle Island in the school-building project.

Middle Island has its Niger exploration base in the area, where the Perth-based explorer holds interests of between 70% and 100% in eight granted permits and applications. All are located in one 2 296 km2 area in Torodi, which is situated in the Say Department of the Tillabéri Region and includes Niger’s capital, Niamey.