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Surrounding – Burkina Faso, a West African country south of the Sahara has been dependent on foreign economic aid since gaining independence in 1960. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. More than ninety percent of the population is supported by agriculture, and poor soil and high population growth have taken a heavy toll on the living conditions of the Burkinabé. Prospects for youth are especially dire. A lack of training opportunities lead to under- and unemployment. Many seek to advance by migrating to surrounding countries, but often end up not much better off.

The project – We operate three projects that guide local craftmaker associations and government authorities in developing an apprenticeship system. The trainees, many of them women, attend weekly vocational courses, with a special focus on developing long-term career opportunities. The programs teach essential knowledge like AIDS prevention alongside professional skills. Many trainees were illiterate before enrolling in the training school.

The scope of the courses was developed according to the requests of the government of Burkina Faso. Currently seminars for training and staff development are offered in: Auto mechanics, electronics, tailoring, hairdressing and domestic work. More than 600 adolescents (40% women) learn a trade at ten different locations around the country. 800 artisans were trained as instructors and 150 instructors are already employed at the vocational schools. A qualified and self-reliant work force is one of the cornerstones of successful development. Our apprenticeship program supports the integration of Burkina Faso’s poor population into the development of the country and thus helps fight poverty sustainably.

Our donation account

BW Bank 600 501 01
Account 2234 111

We kindly ask you to use the project title as reference on your money transfer form. We will be pleased to issue a donation receipt. Therefore send us an E-Mail with your contact to the address germany [at] swisscontact.net

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