Burkina Faso Regional Program BI-WEEKLY REPORT Aug 29-Sept 11, 2020

The program focuses on improving community access to health services and reducing the negative effects of inadequate emergency services provision by the State. In the Est region, BFRP organized a first responder training for community members. The training, conducted by first aid specialists, covered topics related to common wounds resulting from terrorist attacks and how to react to critical security incidents. Ninety-one people, including 40 women, attended the training, which focused on simulations, practice, role-plays, and case studies to ensure participants could respond appropriately in emergency situations. Participants also received a first aid kit to use when assisting injured community members. The training was deemed successful, with one participant reporting that they were able to put their knowledge into practice by assisting a burned person in their neighborhood. In the Nord region, BFRP implemented a cell phone repair training program to reduce the vulnerability of idle youth to recruitment efforts by terrorist groups. The training provided space for participants to raise awareness on violent extremism and discuss with their clients how to reduce the spread of false messaging that promotes violence. Twenty vulnerable youth, including four young women, received training and were provided with toolkits consisting of a multimeter, magnifying glasses, soldering irons, and screwdrivers to help them start businesses in their respective districts. A refresher training is planned to follow up with the participants and assess their progress. The BFRP's efforts aim to improve community resilience and reduce the influence of terrorist groups in the targeted regions. By providing training and employment opportunities, the program seeks to address the root causes of vulnerability and promote economic stability. The program's focus on community-based initiatives and capacity building is critical to achieving its objectives and mitigating the destabilizing effects of continued violence and insecurity. The BFRP's bi-weekly report highlights the program's progress and achievements in the Est and Nord regions. The report provides a snapshot of the program's activities and outcomes, demonstrating the program's commitment to improving community access to health services and reducing the negative effects of inadequate emergency services provision by the State. The report also underscores the program's focus on community-based initiatives and capacity building, which are critical to achieving its objectives and promoting economic stability in the targeted regions.