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Our plan in Burkina Faso
Plan is working at the grassroots level in Burkina Faso to help communities make real and lasting change, so that their children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Sponsor a child in Burkina Faso.
Plan has worked in Burkina Faso (population 13 million) in West Africa since 1976, and currently works in the provinces of Sanmatenga, Namentenga, Bam, Kouritenga, Poni, Noumbiel and Bougouriba. Plan Burkina Faso's programs aim to address the following issues affecting children:
- Limited access to quality education
- Poor child health care and immunisation rates
- High incidences of HIV and AIDS
- Inadequate access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation
- Low family income and food security
- Poor child participation in community development
Burkina Faso floods – Sponsor UpdateThe country has suffered widespread flooding in several regions, including our programs areas of Sanmatenga and Namentenga in the north. Tens of thousands of people have been affected and relief and rescue efforts are underway. Plan Burkina is helping with food distribution, medical care, installation of mobile latrines and wash facilities as well as providing hygiene education in temporary shelters. A small number of sponsored children and their families have been affected with damage to houses and crops. There has been no reported injury or loss of life to sponsored children or their families to this point. We are in the process of contacting supporters whose sponsored children have been affected. More information on the impact on Plan-assisted communities will be shared here as it becomes available. |
Plan’s programs and strategies to address these issues include:
Education
Continue to develop already established early childhood care and development programs for the survival, protection and health care of children to ensure their development from birth to six years. Increase enrolment in primary school by constructing/repairing more schools, assist in training and motivation of teachers and provide school supplies and equipment. Support the effort of parents by providing the opportunity for their children to attend secondary school in areas where secondary schools exist.
Education opportunities for girls and women
Overcome the low priority given to education of girls and women by communities. The role of the woman in society, although important, has repeatedly been minimised. In Burkina Faso, educational priority if any, is first placed on boys and men and then girls and women.
Basic health care supported by a responsive health care system
Immunisation coverage of all children under five years of age. Malaria prevention, detection and treatment and the control of diarrhea diseases.
Water and sanitation
All villages in Plan’s program area will have at least one source for clean drinking water and have facilities for community sanitation.
HIV and AIDS prevention and education
Aim to protect all children against the affects of HIV and AIDS by focusing on testing, awareness-raising and working with associations of people living with HIV and AIDS.
Family income and food security
Help entire communities to build a better future for their children by analysing problems, identifying solutions, utilising local experience and available resources (particularly to increase agricultural productivity).
Child participation and child-centred community development approach
Plan Burkina Faso will continue to raise awareness among children and the local population of the rights of the child as outlined in the United Nations convention. Already Plan’s the rights of the child campaign including the radio campaign I am a child but I have my rights too in the local languages has been very successful.
Country Facts
| Country | Burkina Faso | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Flag |  |
 |
| Population | 12.8 Million | 21 Million |
| Language | French, Mossi, Bobo and Gurma. | English |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Canberra |
| GDP per capita (USD/year) |
376 | $37,300 |
| Life expectancy | 47.9 | 81.5 |
| Access to safe drinking water |
61% | 100% |
| Literacy | 21.8% | 100% |
| Source: | United Nations: Millennium Development Goals Report 2006 | |
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