Noupoa says, “My dream is to become a doctor.” With the help of remedial classes, see how she is able to continue her education.
In Burkina Faso, the pursuit of education is fraught with challenges, including school closures, displacement, and security concerns. Many children face the risk of dropping out and being exposed to dangers such as trafficking and forced recruitment. However, innovative solutions are emerging to address these issues and provide opportunities for students to continue their education. One such solution is the implementation of remedial classes, which have proven instrumental in helping students overcome learning difficulties and achieve academic success.
We will explore the impact of remedial courses on students in Burkina Faso, highlighting the inspiring story of Noupoa and the transformative effects of remedial classes.
Addressing the Education Crisis: Burkina Faso has experienced a significant increase in the closure of educational facilities, leaving a large number of students without access to schooling. Between December 2022 and January 2023 alone, the number of closed schools rose from 6,253 to 6,383, affecting over one million students. To counteract this trend and build resilience in the face of educational challenges, the Children’s Tilgré project, funded by the Regional Humanitarian Fund for West and Central Africa (FHRAOC), has introduced remedial classes as an alternative to support students in exam classes.
Noupoa’s Journey: Noupoa, a young girl from Burkina Faso, dreamt of becoming a doctor. However, her dreams were shattered when armed men forced her teachers to leave and burned down her school while she was in the 4th grade. Despite the adversity she faced, Noupoa refused to give up hope. She eventually arrived in the city of Fada after fleeing her hometown due to insecurity. With the opportunity to enroll in the 9th grade at a high school, Noupoa was thrilled to be back in the classroom. However, the traumatic events she experienced in her hometown had taken a toll on her academic performance.
The Impact of Remedial Classes: Fortunately, Noupoa’s high school was part of the Tilgré project, implemented by Children Believe in partnership with FHRAOC. The project aimed to strengthen the resilience of crisis-affected communities through integrated protection and education services in the North Central and Eastern Regions of Burkina Faso. Remedial classes were a key component of this initiative, providing Noupoa and other students with the opportunity to enhance their learning skills and catch up on missed content. The implementation of the activity was done in the communes of Fada and Diapaga with OCADES (Children Believe partner). Between October 23 2022 and January 14 2023, we were able to reach 1,695 students, of which 1,198 were displaced and 802 were girls.
Noupoa’s Success Story: Noupoa’s involvement in the remedial classes proved to be a turning point in her academic journey. In just a few weeks, she was able to improve her skills and actively participate in learning sessions. She attributes her success to her determination and the support she received through the remedial classes. The exercises and guidance provided by her teachers helped her grasp difficult concepts, while additional practice at home with the provided resources allowed her to consolidate her knowledge. With renewed confidence, Noupoa aspires to pass her exams and continue her studies, pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.
Expanding Opportunities: Noupoa’s story exemplifies the transformative power of remedial classes in empowering students to overcome challenges and achieve their educational aspirations. However, there are still many displaced students like Noupoa who need support to access quality education. By investing in initiatives that provide remedial classes and similar interventions, we can create a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children in Burkina Faso. Together, we can help them realize their dreams and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Help more displaced students like Noupoa get a quality education and work towards their dreams today.