Ddougou: The Minister in charge of Secondary Education, Dr. Boubacar Sawadogo, launched on Friday, November 28, 2025, the activities of initiation to trades in general education institutions in Ddougou. The ceremony was held under the joint sponsorship of the ministers in charge of Territorial Administration and Urban Planning.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this new educational initiative aims to align schools more closely with the country's economic needs and professions, addressing a long-standing preference for general education. The goal is to increase the proportion of students enrolled in technical and vocational courses to 60%, thereby better preparing young people for employment and self-employment. A key reform includes the introduction of trades from the early stages of education.
This measure allows students to explore different professional worlds, cultivate an interest in various skills, and receive detailed guidance towards professions that match their aptitudes and aspirations. Dr. Sawadogo described the vocational initiation program as a crucial step in transforming the Burkinabe educational system.
The minister emphasized the importance of making schools creative and productive spaces that reflect the country's realities. The program features large-scale activities such as organizing 10,000 practical workshops, training 2,000 facilitators, and annually initiating about 600,000 learners. Additionally, 1,000 immersion outings in companies, craft workshops, and production units are planned.
Complementary actions include career days and information and guidance offices to support students in their academic and professional endeavors. "Introduction to trades is not only a school activity: it is an alliance between the school, craftsmen, technicians, parents, companies, local authorities, and development partners," stated Dr. Sawadogo.
Addressing students, he encouraged them to view this reform as a gateway to their futures. He highlighted various fields such as sewing, electricity, mechanics, agri-food, digital, carpentry, transformation, and design, where students can engage with materials, ask questions, and explore new horizons.
Dr. Sawadogo concluded by stressing that the success of this system relies on the continued involvement of all stakeholders, including teachers, learners, parents, local authorities, professionals, and technical and financial partners. Their collective commitment is seen as vital to ensuring the relevance, quality, and sustainability of this significant reform.
Delivering the sponsors' message, the Minister of Urban Planning and Housing, Michalou Sidib, praised the reform for uniting teachers, craftsmen, parents, communities, and development partners in promoting productive work. He described the introduction to trades as a bridge between education and working life, offering young people a chance to discover their talents and the richness of national skills.
Following the ceremony, authorities visited the educational garden at Lyce provincial polyvalent de Ddougou, supported by ‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬¦¡¬°toile du Faso, Olivier Par. The initiative was welcomed as it exemplifies the program's spirit and demonstrates the commitment of local actors to implementing educational reforms.