Niamey, Niger - Recent

Storyline:
Heavy rains and flooding in Niger have forced schools to delay the start of the academic year by nearly a month, according to the Nigerien government.

During a council of ministers meeting, the government decided to postpone the school year to Oct 28 from the initially scheduled date of Oct 2.

So far, the devastation caused by severe flooding in many parts of the West African country is still visible in the capital Niamey. Few learning institutions were spared and even those that were left standing are being used to house those forced out of their homes by the deluge.

But many parents and teachers said the postponement of the new school year is no cause for alarm and warned that it is unwise to evict victims who have no other place to stay.

The government said it is repairing the affected schools and stressed that all required steps must be taken before young learners can return to the classroom.

Shotlist:
Niamey, Niger - Recent:
1. Various of temporary settlement;
2. Various of affected residents at temporary settlement;
3. SOUNDBITE (French, dubbed in English) parent (name not given) (ending with shot 4):
"After three months of vacation, the children will stay at home for another month or so. We don't usually leave children idle during the holidays. We take them to Quranic schools. So that's what we're going to do right now."
4. Students at school;
5. Various of damaged facilities; floodwater;
6. Various of rescuers evacuating trapped residents;
7. Various of workers repairing damaged schools.

[Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]