Burkina Faso Regional Program BI-WEEKLY REPORT Jan. 4-17, 2020

The program has 61 cleared activities, totaling $2,783,099, and 16 pending activities, totaling $778,051. BFRP's CVE programming aims to address the root causes of extremism and promote resilience in vulnerable communities. One key initiative is the Startup Package for Women in the Sahel region. The worsening security situation has led to economic depression, affecting local markets and their sellers and traders, mostly women. To support these women, BFRP worked with a local NGO to identify and train 30 women on proper hygiene techniques and micro-business skills. The training aims to empower women to find adaptive business solutions in the face of growing insecurity and to identify the rhetoric used by violent extremist organizations (VEOs) to influence community members. In addition to the training, the women received a kit to increase their sales, including a table, propane cook stove, parasol, and storage containers. The Revitalizing Public High School initiative is another key component of BFRP's CVE programming. Since the beginning of the security crisis in 2015, over 1,800 schools across Est, Nord, and Sahel regions have been closed or damaged, straining host communities' relations and resources. BFRP worked with a local organization to facilitate the rehabilitation of a school, which included the refurbishment of four buildings, including 16 classrooms, open-air study areas, and administrative offices. The refurbished learning spaces and offices have helped reduce tensions between displaced and host communities, accommodating approximately 1,200 students, including over 400 displaced students. The Startup Package for Women and Revitalizing Public High School initiatives demonstrate BFRP's commitment to addressing the root causes of extremism and promoting resilience in vulnerable communities. By providing training and support to women and facilitating the rehabilitation of schools, BFRP aims to create a more stable and secure environment in the Nord, Sahel, and Est regions. The impact of BFRP's CVE programming is evident in the testimonials from beneficiaries. One woman stated, "This activity is coming to wipe away our tears because it gives us hope for better incomes." The success of these initiatives highlights the importance of addressing the economic and social needs of vulnerable communities to prevent the spread of extremism.