54-Burkina Faso_OTI BFRP_Bi-weekly Report_Dec 2020

The program targets strategic communities to promote stability and promote economic opportunities. BFRP works in collaboration with local authorities, state environmental agencies, and other partners to implement activities that foster community cohesion and promote social stability. A key initiative is the establishment of a village tree nursery in the Sahel region. The nursery has empowered community leaders to engage with surrounding communities and has mobilized the participation of youth, state environmental agencies, and local authorities. The development of the agro-foresty project has trained 30 youth in techniques of plant cultivation and concepts in countering violent extremism. Participants have demonstrated a better understanding of violent extremism and its impact on communities. Training youth in mobile phone repair has also been a successful initiative. The training has provided beneficiaries with the skills to repair phones and has enabled them to increase their revenue. Prior to the training, beneficiaries earned an average of XOF 3,000 per week, but after the training, they are able to earn an average of XOF 20,000 per week by repairing 15 to 20 phones. The trained beneficiaries also use their services to educate their clients about the dangers of violent extremism and its impact on communities. The program has implemented 183 activities and has reached 396,000 program beneficiaries. BFRP has partnered with 19 organizations to date. The program's focus on community cohesion and economic opportunities has contributed to the stability of the region. The initiatives have empowered community leaders and youth to take an active role in promoting social stability and promoting economic opportunities. The program's success is evident in the testimonies of beneficiaries who have benefited from the training and support provided by BFRP. One participant stated, "We have just benefited from a training that has allowed us to gather knowledge on CVE, but also learn about plant cultivation techniques. This will help us contribute to the development of our commune and to promote social cohesion in our community." The program's initiatives have made a significant impact on the lives of beneficiaries and have contributed to the stability of the region.