KOMBISSIRI, BAZÈGA — On Friday, education leaders in Bazèga province convened at a forum to address the rising phenomenon of school dropouts, seeking to develop strategies to counter the trend. The forum, organized by the provincial directorate of primary and non-formal preschool education (DPEPPNF), was aimed specifically at formulating recommendations and commitments to reduce dropout rates, which have alarmingly doubled since 2019.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the dropout rate in Bazèga has escalated from 2.23% in 2019 to 4.42% in 2024. Claude Ouédraogo, the provincial director, emphasized that the forum was a critical platform for stakeholders to collaborate on effective solutions. Dr. Marcel Guigma, Director General of Quality of Formal Education and the forum’s sponsor, highlighted that school dropouts pose a significant challenge to the education system and broader development efforts in Burkina Faso. He stressed the necessity of sustainable solutions that involve local communities actively.

Participants from across the province contributed to the forum by making resolutions and offering recommendations intended to improve educational quality indicators in Bazèga. Key resolutions included strengthening teacher support and educational supervision, creating frameworks for sharing experiences and best practices, and promoting school canteens and income-generating activities for mothers involved in education, with community and local authority involvement.

Harouna Nana, president of the special delegation of the commune of Toécé and representing the High Commissioner of the province, praised the initiative. He called on all stakeholders to become informed and committed leaders to ensure the effective implementation of the commitments made at the forum.

The education stakeholders of Bazèga have scheduled the next forum for 2025, aiming to continue their efforts to combat the dropout problem and enhance the educational landscape in the region.