Burkina Faso Regional Program BI-WEEKLY REPORT Oct 24-Nov 6, 2020

The program focuses on strategic communities in the northern and eastern regions. To address the needs of displaced students in the Est region, BFRP provided local authorities with equipment to support continued education. The equipment included 600 chairs, 24 tables, 24 tables, 24 storage cabinets, 24 easels, a computer, a printer, and a photocopier. The equipment was distributed equally among 20 schools. The distribution of equipment helped alleviate concerns among community members, who feared that without support, displaced children might fall into delinquency or join terrorist groups, exacerbating instability in the area. In the Est region, tensions among community members, particularly between youth and elders, increased due to security challenges. To address this issue, BFRP worked with a regional organization to promote peace, tolerance, and mutual acceptance among community members. Thirty young ambassadors received training on conflict prevention and management, awareness-raising, and advocacy efforts. The young ambassadors organized an advocacy meeting with local authorities to plead for greater support in strengthening social stability within the community. The meeting created a link between the young ambassadors, community members, and local authorities. In the next phase, the young peace ambassadors will conduct an awareness-raising session on fair elections, electoral participation, and building a stable society. In the Nord region, BFRP worked with a local network of farmers to support communities in working together in larger groups. The program provided farmer groups with plows and carts to support them during the growing season. The equipment provided by BFRP allowed community members to work together in groups, reducing their vulnerability to terrorist attacks. The support also revived traditional mechanisms of mutual assistance and solidarity among community members, reducing food insecurity and economic instability in the Nord region. The program's efforts have resulted in increased solidarity across the Nord communes, and BFRP plans to provide more equipment to farmer groups to continue promoting stability in the region. The program's activities aim to promote peace, tolerance, and mutual acceptance among community members, particularly during times of increased tension.