GNAGNA, Burkina Faso – In a significant effort to facilitate the reintegration of children affected by insecurity into the education system, the Provincial Directorate of Preschool, Primary and Non-Formal Education of Gnagna has distributed a comprehensive package of support materials. The initiative is aimed at mitigating the impact of unrest on students' access to education within the province.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the support package, valued at over 64 million CFA francs, includes 710 school kits, 20 bicycles, 500 mats, 518 blankets, 400 hygiene kits, and 20 boxes of soap. Additionally, the provision of essential foodstuffs encompasses 280 bags of 50 kg rice, 150 bags of 50 kg beans, 26 cans of 20 liters of oil, and 53 cartons of tomato puree. To further aid the effort, financial assistance has been extended to households that are hosting learners affected by the security situation.

This intervention is a part of the broader implementation of the National Education Strategy in emergency situations, facilitated by a partnership among the Technical Secretariat for Education in Emergency Situations (ST-ESU), the World Bank, and the Project to Improve Access and Quality of Education (PAAQE). The strategy underscores the commitment to ensuring the continuity of education for children displaced or otherwise impacted by insecurity.

The formal distribution of these materials took place at the Yentougri primary school, attended by administrative officials and key figures in primary education within Gnagna. Salam Ouédraogo, the Provincial Director of Preschool, Primary and Non-Formal Education in Gnagna, emphasized the national authorities' dedication to providing quality education to all children in Burkina Faso, despite the challenges posed by the current security environment.

This donation marks the culmination of the first edition of profiling conducted during the 2022-2023 academic year, aimed at identifying children outside the formal education system due to insecurity. The process is part of an ongoing effort, with the second edition of profiling having commenced on February 2 and set to conclude on February 22, 2024, covering the entire nation.