Orphans and other vulnerable children

Burkina Faso has the second highest rate of orphaned children in Western Africa. According to a study from the UNDP and the department of social action and national solidarity (Ministère de l’Action Sociale et de la Solidarité Nationale), the number of orphaned and vulnerable children has reached 2,100,000. Of these cases, 66% are a result of HIV/AIDS.

This segment of the population has been identified as a specific target that must be given special attention in the country’s development policies and strategies, particularly in terms of combating HIV/AIDS. The goal of this approach is to improve respect for children’s fundamental rights, such as the right to food, education, good health, development, rest and leisure, as well as the right to protection from sexual and economic exploitation.

With this goal in mind, CECI has implemented the project in seven provinces, where it has contributed to the betterment of living conditions for orphans and other vulnerable children. In particular, the project has accomplished the following:

• Raised awareness in 28 target areas about children’s rights in general, especially those of orphans and other vulnerable children
• Increased community commitment to protecting and taking care of orphans and other vulnerable children
• Covered the psychological and spiritual needs of 336 children
• Distributed 31.5 tons of food to 1,258 children threatened by chronic grain deficit
• Distributed 1,378 school kits and paid parental contributions for 250 students so they could attend school
• Placed 40 orphans and other vulnerable children in professional training workshops to increase their employability and begin the process of self-empowerment
• Initiated revenue-generating activities to benefit 3,456 children and 189 mothers/guardians
• Obtained birth certificates for 449 orphans and vulnerable children