Provide reading opportunities to schoolchildren

The FAVL-supported libraries in Burkina Faso have had several tough years. A civil war, which started in 2016, has grown rapidly, and has pitted various Islamist-oriented groups (whose first actions are to close schools and insist that schooling be in Arabic, a language that few people in the country speak) against the Burkinabè military (which overthrew the democratic government in January 2022, suspended local government, and then perpetrated another coup within military ranks late-September of this year). The upshot of the conflict is that 12 libraries have been closed. The FAVL representative in Burkina Faso continues to visit libraries that remain open, in secure areas. The office pivoted to a major initiative, the production of 10,000 copies of 50 illustrated books written and illustrated by residents of the town of Houndé. The books have been distributed to libraries that are open. This coming year our goal is to produce and distribute 50,000 copies. We are also exploring how we can expand the variety of books produced. We’d love to have a young adult science fiction series for readers in Burkina Faso.

The mobile library operated through November, but had to be moved to a secure location because the mayor's office was threatened by the terrorist groups that have been conducting operations in the region. Numerous villages, administrative offices, police offices, and other targets have been assaulted. many schools have closed. We look and hope that in 2023 peace will return to the country and operations can continue.

Dear donor,

The Houndé mobile library operated well during the period June-July_august, despite the security situation in Burkina Faso that continues to deteriorate. Over the past year villages in the area have been attacked. The gendarmerie of Houndé, where the mobile library is located, was attacked. This high insecurity makes it hard for FAVL and partner personnel to carry out activities. Moreover, the military government, which took power in a coup d'état in January 2022, suspended local civilian leadership, replacing it with military appointed local leadership. These leaders have little legitimacy and authority, and are unable to act as good partners. So progress has slowed. We continue to regularly reach out to local partners, both informally and in government, to try to assess when we might be able to make more progress.

We are happy, however, that the mobile library continued to operate, visiting schools most afternoons, and frequelty having 20-30 schoolchildren come for a couple of hours of reading, puzzle-solving, drawing, and other activities. We thank you for your support!

Links:

• FAVL website