Bakery for  Issiaku Secondary School Humanist Club

Members:

• Amina Mahamat – 16 years old – Arts

• Fatime Moussa – 17 years old – Science

• Hadjara Idriss – 15 years old – Commercial

• Zara Abakar – 14 years old – Arts

• Halima Oumar – 17 years old – Science

• Mariam Saleh – 16 years old – Commercial

• Assiyatou Yaya – 15 years old – Arts

• Abdoulkarim Djibrine – 17 years old – Science

• Mahamat Ali – 16 years old – Commercial

• Salim Barka – 15 years old – Science

• Ismael Zakaria – 17 years old – Arts

• Djamal Nassour – 14 years old – Science

• Nassour Brahim – 16 years old – Commercial

• Ousmane Ahmat – 15 years old – Science

• Adam Issa – 17 years old – Arts

• Abakar Hissein – 16 years old – Commercial

• Moustapha Mahamat – 17 years old – Science

Email:  (President)   oumarhalima46@gmail.com

Phone: +2278046289980

What does humanism mean to your group?

Issiaku Secondary School Humanist Club, is a group of Niger students who have taken a bold step toward a different way of thinking. Growing up in religious families and communities, we were taught to follow traditions without question. Religion shaped every part of life from school to family to the rules of society. But as we advanced in our education and began to think more independently, we found ourselves facing questions that religion could not answer in a satisfying way.

We started to ask: Why is there so much suffering even when people pray? Why are some treated unfairly just because of their gender or beliefs? Why are we discouraged from questioning things? These questions came naturally as we learned more about science, human rights, and ethics. Instead of being punished for asking, we chose to embrace the power of thinking freely.

In our search for answers, we found humanism. It taught us that we can live meaningful lives without believing in a god. Humanism is about caring for others, using reason, standing for justice, and helping to improve our society here and now, not waiting for rewards in an afterlife. In a country like Niger, where there is great cultural and religious diversity, we believe humanism offers a path to peaceful coexistence, unity, and development.

Our decision to leave religion behind was not about hate or rebellion. It was about truth, compassion, and courage. Atheism gave us the space to think freely. Humanism gave us the values to live by. As Niger students, we believe we have a role to play in building a more just, educated, and inclusive society for everyone.

Project Description

The Issiaku Secondary School Humanist Club, located in the Republic of Niger, is a student-led organization committed to promoting critical thinking, secular ethics, and community development. As part of our mission to empower youth through practical skills and sustainable opportunities, we are launching a baking and confectionery shop initiative. This project aims to provide students with hands-on experience in baking, business management, and entrepreneurship. With support from this grant, we seek to establish a small-scale, student-run bakery that will serve as both a learning environment and a source of income.

The primary goal of this initiative is to equip club members with practical skills that can lead to long-term self-reliance and social impact. The project will train over 30 active members in various aspects of baking, hygiene, product packaging, and small business operations. Profits generated from the sale of baked goods such as bread, cakes, and snacks will be reinvested into the business and used to support club activities, purchase educational materials, and contribute to community outreach efforts. Special emphasis will be placed on empowering economically vulnerable students and promoting gender inclusion, with girls taking on leadership roles within the project.

The funds requested will be used to purchase essential baking equipment including ovens, mixers, measuring tools, and trays, as well as initial supplies such as flour, sugar, and packaging materials.

Additional costs will cover branding efforts, workspace setup, and training sessions facilitated by local bakers and entrepreneurs. Within the first 3 to 6 months, we expect to have a fully operational bakery producing consistent monthly revenue, managed transparently by trained students.

We believe this initiative will not only provide life-changing skills and income for students but will also serve as a model that other schools and Humanist Clubs in the region can replicate. By combining enterprise with humanist values, this project has the potential to transform lives and foster a culture of creativity, cooperation, and responsible citizenship. With your support, we can turn our students’ passion for baking into a powerful tool for education and empowerment.

Budget -

Total: $800 USD

Medium-sized Electric Oven  $200

Hand Mixer (with attachments)  $40

Baking Trays and Pans (various sizes)   $60

Measuring Tools (cups, spoons, digital scale)  $30

Mixing Bowls and Utensils (spatulas, whisks, rolling pin, etc.)   $40

Work Table and Storage Shelf  $70

Initial Raw Materials (flour, sugar, butter, eggs, flavorings, etc.)   $120

Packaging Materials (cake boxes, paper bags, wrappers, plastic containers)   $50

Aprons, Hairnets, Gloves, and Hygiene Supplies  $30

Signboard and Simple Branding Materials (product labels, stickers)   $30

Power Extension Cord and Backup Socket Adapters   $20

Cooling Rack   $25

Plastic Storage Containers (for ingredients and tools)   $25

Small Gas Burner with Cylinder (for off-grid baking prep, optional)   $60

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Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

The baking and confectionery shop is expected to generate a modest but steady income by selling affordable baked goods such as cupcakes, meat pies, bread rolls, and small cakes to students, teachers, and the local community. With an average daily sale of $20–$35, the shop could earn approximately $450–$550 monthly. After deducting costs for raw materials and packaging, we anticipate a net monthly profit of about $300–$400. This income will be reinvested into the business to restock supplies, maintain equipment, and support Humanist Club activities. As the business gains popularity and scales production, profits are expected to gradually increase. Seasonal events, school programs, and local partnerships will also boost revenue opportunities.

Project Timeline:

Week 1–2: Purchase and delivery of all equipment and materials

Week 3: Workspace setup and test baking sessions

Week 4: Product packaging, pricing, and soft launch

Week 5: Official launch and beginning of full operations

Ongoing: Weekly sales, restocking, and financial tracking

Benefits to Community

This project will provide several direct and long-term benefits to the local community. It will create access to affordable, freshly baked goods, reducing reliance on distant or costly alternatives. By equipping students especially girls and underprivileged youth with practical baking and business skills, the initiative promotes self-reliance and future employability. The shop may also stimulate local economic activity by sourcing ingredients and supplies from nearby markets.

Additionally, profits generated will help fund school-based humanist activities, educational materials, and small community outreach efforts. Over time, the project will inspire a culture of entrepreneurship, cooperation, and youth-led development within the community.