Ddougou: The governor of the Bankui and Sourou region, Babo Pierre Bassinga, presided over a crucial meeting in Ddougou aimed at discussing the implementation of an endogenous system to manage emergency situations in education. This initiative seeks to bolster the resilience of the education system amidst crises.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting was initiated by the ministry responsible for Secondary Education through the Directorate General of Specific Support. It gathered administrative authorities, defense and security forces, technical and financial partners, and other stakeholders involved in Education in Emergency Situations (ESU). The primary goal is to empower regional actors to take ownership of this mechanism to ensure a swift, coordinated, and effective response to any disruptions in learning continuity.
Raoul Sanon, the regional director in charge of secondary education in Bankui, highlighted the educational challenges in the region. He noted ongoing disruptions due to insecurity and the effects of climate change, which have led to school closures, infrastructure damage, and increased population movements. Climate-related events, such as violent winds and lightning strikes, have further damaged school infrastructure.
In response to these challenges, Sanon commended the Defense and Security Forces and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) for their efforts in reclaiming national territory. Progress in several localities has enabled the return of populations and the resumption of educational activities in previously affected areas.
Governor Babo Pierre Bassinga urged participants to constructively review the draft system to enhance its operational effectiveness. He encouraged them to offer observations and proposals to improve its ground-level impact. The governor also acknowledged the achievements recorded in the recent 2026 school examinations, praising the dedication of the security forces securing the national territory.
The meeting reviewed a draft plan that outlines the rapid mobilization of local actors in emergencies, rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, identification of temporary sites for affected learners, and mobilization of resources to ensure educational continuity. The proposed system offers a flexible framework adaptable to local needs, aiming to guarantee educational continuity and minimize crisis-induced disruptions. It emphasizes consultation, anticipation, and collective responsibility, thereby strengthening the education system’s resilience in emergency situations.