SOS Children in Burkina Faso

The small republic of Burkina Faso in West Africa is one of the poorest countries in the world. Agriculture (predominantly subsistence farming) is the backbone of the country's economy; yet the soil is not very fertile and the land which is fertile has been exhausted in some areas. A rapidly increasing population has led to 56 per cent of the population being under 18 years old and only 25 per cent having access to portable water. Despite a recent decline in infant and under-five mortality rates, there has been an overall deterioration in children's health due to malaria, acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and malnutrition. Widespread unemployment and poverty has further worsened the situation, particularly affecting for women and children.

Negotiations between the government and charity to build an SOS Children's community in Burkina Faso began in the 1980s, but due to political unrest it was not until 1997 that the first children moved into the village in the small community of Polosgo, 10 km north of the capital city, Ouagadougou.

SOS Children Ougadougou has 12 family houses which are home to 120 children. The village also has a nursery school and a primary school with a capacity for 150 pupils, both of which are open to children from the local community. A playground provides space for the children to learn sports and play with their friends. A small medical centre provides treatment and first aid for both SOS families and local people. In 2003, a SOS Youth Centre was built, accommodating older youths whilst they prepare themselves for independence. Youth counselling is available to support the transition.

Burkina Faso's second SOS Children's Village Dafra in Bobo-Dioulasso, near the western border with Mali was opened in 2004. Approximately 10 km from the city centre, the village has 12 family houses for 120 children and a three-room nursery school for 150 children. A combined primary and secondary school provides an education for 900 children. The SOS Village also has a clinic which is open to both the SOS families in the village and the local community. A SOS Social Centre supports vulnerable families to stay together by helping parents engage in income-generating activities and ensuring that children have access to essential services.

Tel +226/50 34 61 31

Fax +226/50 34 61 33

e-mail: tonwen@yahoo.fr

Bookmark with:

Facebook

Twitter

Delicious

StumbleUpon

Digg