Koudougou: The project to strengthen the supply of integrated protection and education services (PROSIPE) delivered food supplies for 146 canteens and school scholarships to Koudougou on Tuesday, totaling over 492 million FCFA, to improve access to and retention of children in school in the Nando, Bankui, and Sourou regions.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the food supplies, valued at 460 million FCFA, are intended for 146 school canteens and will feed more than 67,324 students. Additionally, scholarships for 500 disadvantaged students, which include bicycles, solar lamps, dry rations, and school fees, amount to approximately 32 million FCFA.
The activity is part of the PROSIPE project, implemented by a consortium of NGOs led by EDUCO Burkina Faso, with financial backing from the European Union and Swiss Cooperation. Project officials stated that this support aims to enhance children's access to and retention in the education system, especially for those in economically or socially challenged areas. The main goal of PROSIPE is to overcome the barriers that prevent vulnerable children from regularly attending school and receiving a quality education.
Ms. Gounabou/Ouedraogo Lucie, representing the NGO EDUCO, emphasized that PROSIPE seeks to comprehensively address the needs of children. She remarked, "This support is a promise, the promise of giving every child a real chance to stay in school and succeed. Our ambition is to help the most vulnerable overcome the barriers that keep them away from a quality education."
Ms. Gounabou further explained that the provision of food will enable the canteens to operate efficiently and keep children in school, while the scholarships will alleviate the financial burden on families.
Amedee Pare, president of the special delegation of Koudougou, expressed the municipality's gratitude towards EDUCO and its partners, noting that this support assists families facing economic hardships, lack of resources, and distance from educational institutions.
Abylaice Rouamba, the regional director of primary education, highlighted that these initiatives align with ongoing educational reforms, particularly in promoting school inclusion. He stated, "A just society is one that also considers the most vulnerable."
Nassa Fidele, a representative of the direct beneficiaries, expressed joy, stating, "The bikes will allow us to arrive at school on time and the solar lamps will help us study well in the evening. We promise to work hard," reaffirming the beneficiaries' commitment to honoring the trust placed in them.