Burkina Faso: real lives

Not everyone has electricity in Burkina Faso. On average, about 51 of the country's 400 towns get power. That means 88 per cent of the population goes without.

But ChildFund Australia's affiliate organisation in Burkino Faso has stepped in to help, by shipping a container filled with portable solar powered generators to the country. Solar energy allows schools to accommodate more children in a way that is not detrimental to the quality of the teaching/learning and provides evening classes.

Most of ChildFund in Burkino Faso's programs are located where there is little or no electricity. These communities, especially the children, suffer the consequences, such as limited access to educational equipment and the possibility of no education at all due to overcrowded classrooms.

Solar energy makes it possible to use teaching aids like radios, cassette players and in some cases even computers and printers. This makes the teaching/learning process more attractive for children and ultimately makes them understand better the need for and the advantages of a quality education.
For children in the developing world, education means freedom. When children are given an opportunity to learn, they are also given the skills and voice they need to chart their own destiny, improve their own lives, and earn a standard wage.

The cycle of poverty is broken and replaced with a cycle of self-reliance as they learn the tools to take care of themselves and future children.