OUAHIGOUYA, YATENGA — In a significant boost to vocational education in Burkina Faso's Northern region, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has donated a collection of technical and transportation equipment to the Ouahigouya Vocational Training Center (CFPO). The ceremony, held on Tuesday, August 28, 2024, was chaired by the Governor of the Northern Region, Issouf Ouédraogo, and marks a key step in the UN agency's efforts to enhance regional training capabilities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the donation is valued at 44 million CFA francs and includes two educational vehicles, motorcycles, and various other pieces of equipment, all aimed at enriching the training workshops offered by the CFPO. This initiative is part of the UNDP's Recovery and Resilience Program (P3R), which supports educational infrastructure as a means to bolster community development and resilience.
Governor Issouf Ouédraogo, alongside Moussa Tassembédo, the regional director in charge of vocational training, received the donation. Ouédraogo expressed gratitude for the UNDP's support, which he noted aligns well with the government's strategy to empower youth through skill development. He also encouraged other organizations to engage with the UNDP's efforts and called on the beneficiaries to effectively utilize the new resources.
Célestin Zongo, who manages the P3R program at the UNDP, emphasized the agency's commitment to assisting Burkina Faso amid ongoing crises by preparing communities for economic recovery. "This initiative strengthens the operational capacities of the CFPO here in the Northern region across various disciplines, including auto-motorcycle mechanics, sewing, electricity, and solar energy. We hope this support will enable learners to develop robust skills that will prepare them as competitive professionals in the workforce," Zongo stated.
This contribution by the UNDP is expected to significantly enhance vocational training in the region, providing young people with the necessary tools to succeed in a competitive job market.