Ouahigouya – The Yatenga Provincial Consultation Framework (CCP), in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), conducted its second ordinary session of the year on November 9, 2023, in Ouahigouya. The session centered around the current state and challenges of primary, post-primary, and secondary education, as well as the management of the province’s forestry resources.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the provincial director in charge of primary education in Yatenga, the province has a total of 1059 schools, out of which 653 are operational, and 406 remain closed. The student population amounts to 158,994, including 51,427 internally displaced persons. Ouédraogo highlighted recent progress, noting that 52 schools have been reopened. However, he emphasized the ongoing need for resources, specifically 1000 school kits and 40 temporary learning spaces, to adequately support students.

Drissa Belem, the provincial director of post-primary and secondary education, reported improvements in the educational sector. Of the 46 relocated educational establishments, 3 CEGs (General Education Colleges) and 4 high schools have returned to their original locations, with others in the process of resettlement. Belem acknowledged the receipt of 3,342 school kits and other donations, but raised concerns about inadequate infrastructure, pointing to issues of overcrowded classrooms.

The CCP session represents a concerted effort to address the educational needs and environmental management within Yatenga, highlighting the challenges and progress in these critical sectors.