Pamoja Burkina ensures continuity of learning despite the COVID 19 pandemic

From the beginning of the pandemic in Burkina Faso, the authorities took the decision to close all educational centers. As a result, several literacy centers have ceased operations, putting dozens of learners at risk of returning to illiteracy. Also, as soon as schools gradually reopened on May 11, 2020, literacy centers have launched again their activities. To encourage learners and ensure that the barrier measures are respected, Mr. Victor P. OUEDRAOGO (President of Pamoja Burkina and Chairman of Pamoja WA), went to the Level 3 Reflect Center in the village of Boborola 2 on Friday 15 May 2020.

The Level 3 Reflect Center in the village of Boborola 2 is located approximately 90km from the capital of the department of Sidéradougou, and more than 500km from Ouagadougou (capital of Burkina-Faso). It was on a motorbike, over this long distance, that the President carried out the supervisory visit which consisted in appreciating the progress of the learning sessions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This visit made it possible to realize the measures taken by the center to restart the apprenticeships while respecting the preventive measures. Thus, a tip-tap Hand Washing Device with a hanging bar of soap (see photo below) is installed at the entrance of the center so that each participant washes their hands with water and soap before entering the room. Without wearing a mask, no learner is admitted. Both inside and outside the room, the physical distance of at least one meter between learners is observed. Apart from the normally scheduled modules, participants devote to each session discussion sections on the COVID-19 pandemic and reflect on approaches to raise awareness of the whole village.

At Bobolora 2, the resumption of educational activities was a sigh of relief for learners, thirsty for acquiring essential knowledge / skills and participating in community development.