Build Workshop for Physically Disabled Burkinabes

During the last few months, life on Burkina soil has been eerily quiet. This atmosphere was due to the abortive coup d’etat in September by members of a presidential guard loyal to former President Blaise Compaoré who was deposed by the popular uprising a year ago October. In the recent coup attempt, the transitional president, Michel Kafando, and his prime minister were taken hostage. Fortunately, both were released from jail after an intense stand-off period. National elections, which were to have taken place on October 11, were rescheduled for November 29.

The socio-political turmoil induced the International Service (IS) to withdraw its volunteers from Tigoung Nonma because of safety concerns. Unfortunately, artisan sales have diminished substantially due to the decline in tourist traffic. Despite the difficulties of the IS volunteers departure, the TN cooperative and its management have been able to forge ahead with many of its activities. Note the following:

1. Meetings:

The President of TN continues to lead regular staff meetings from her office in Ouagadougou. She continues to plan and monitor the evolution of TN members’ activities. A general assembly of all members of the organization is scheduled to take place on the 12th December 2015 during which propositions and suggestions for TN’s plan of action for 2016 will be discussed and made.

2. Award for Peace

On the 26th September TN was invited by the Friends of Burkina Faso (a non-governmental organization comprised mainly of returned U.S. Peace Corps volunteers) to be present at FBF’s first Award for the Peace In Ouagadougou. The award was granted to Mogho Naaba Banwogo, tribal chief of the Mossi clan. The bronze statue given to the Mogho Naaba in honor of his award was crafted by TN-artisan Issoufu, shown in the third picture below. The ceremony, which took place at the palace of the Mogho Naaba, was attended by many Burkinbés, including dignitaries from the government and the U.S. Ambassador. Madame Zoénabou (TN coordinator) and artisan Issoufu received congratulations and encouragements for their work from the President of FBF.

3. Craft Industries:

Fortuitously, TN received and processed a relatively large craft order from Handicap Solidaire Suisse, in the following artistic areas : leather, dressmaking, necklaces, recycled objects. Ten artisans, of which six were men and five were women, benefited directly from the sale of these items.

4. Catering Service:

From October to November, TN’s catering service received three orders. The orders allowed TN to compensate seven members for their hard work preparing and delivering the food to their clients. In addition, TN initiated a new income-generating activity for their catering-service members, namely the sale of cereal which total funding is 1 153 000 FCFA/ $1876.03.  This project was approved by UK based charity LAFI Burkina. Cereal will be sold to local people in Ouagadougou Burkina Faso which will hopefully improve the sustainability of Tigoung Nonma. Members of Tigoung Nonma will benefit from social priced sales. LAFI Burkina, which stands for Lasting Action For Inclusion (or ‘the girl- La Fille in French), is a charity set up by ex volunteers from the UK who worked in Burkina Faso. They are working to improve the livelihoods of disabled people in Burkina Faso.

For more information, please visit:

http://tigoungnonma.org/fr/

http://www.lafiburkina.org/

 Future Prospects :

The unstable political situation in Burkina Faso during the last few months created major challenges for the TN cooperative, its members, and all citizens of BF during the last few months. Fortunately, recent developments promise a much brighter future. Burkina Faso held a free and open election on September 29th. Rock Marc Christian Kaboré was chosen by the people to lead the country and to form a new government on the very first ballot. This vote promises to generate stability in Burkina Faso. It could also serve as an example of democratic transition to other countries in African where veteran rulers often change the constitution to retain their terms in office.