Burkina Faso, Kalghin – Acronis Cyber Foundation Program

Burkina Faso, Kalghin

Acronis School in Burkina Faso

Construction Period: Jun 2021 – Nov 2021

Facts

Type of facility

A school building

Students

Budget

€26,400

NGO partner

Gallery

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Education

Academic year

September to May

Literacy rate (15+ years old)

41.22%

Attendance rate

Primary school – 48%
Lower secondary school – 63%
Upper secondary school – 63%

Out-of-school children

Children (6 – 11 years) – 748,275
Adolescents (12 to 14 years) – 901,365
Youth (15 – 17) – 855,745

Project implementation

Although education in Burkina Faso is compulsory for children aged 7–14, this rule is not enforced, and the average child attends school for just 1.5 years. More than half of the adult population is illiterate. Gender disparity can be seen from the first year of primary education, with 49.3% of boys attending school against 37.2% of girls. The spread of AIDS and other prevalent diseases has compromised ongoing efforts to make education more accessible.

Kalghin, a community in the country’s Centre-Ouest region, felt the impact of these obstacles every day. The village was over 5 kilometers away from the nearest proper school, and the only local infrastructure for education was a temporary and very rustic thatch structure, which was frequently compromised by weather. This posed serious maintenance challenges and safety hazards. The Acronis Cyber Foundation, in collaboration with project partner buildOn, worked hard to bring the community a dedicated and resilient school facility — complete with modern amenities — supporting around 120 students with their studies.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new school took place on June 10, 2021, and construction was completed in November of the same year. In the near future, the Acronis Cyber Foundation plans to add a dedicated computer classroom to the Kalghin school, helping students to develop the STEM and IT skills they’ll need to fuel continued self-education and to thrive in the modern world.

About the country

Country

Burkina Faso

Capital city

Ouagadougou

Population

20.32 million people

Currency

West African Franc (CFA)

Major languages

Mòoré, Fula, Dioula, French

Travel information

Burkina Faso has a primarily tropical climate with average annual temperature of 30-32 °C (86-90 °F) in the north and 32-33 °C (90-91 °F) in the south

Dry season

October to May, during which harmattan, a hot dry wind from Sahara, blows

Wet season

May/June to September

Sightseeing

Tiebele

The Kassena people, one of the oldest ethnic groups of Burkina Faso, live in the village of Tiebele. The village is famous for its huts — which are made of mud and straw but decorated beautifully — and is a great spot to visit.

Photo: ShutterStock

The Ruins of Loropéni

The ruins of Loropéni are a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Burkina Faso’s first one — and date back at least 1,000 years. The remainder of an ancient settlement, these stone ruins are still being excavated, with many more secrets expected to be discovered in time.

Photo: ShutterStock

Sindou

The lively town of Sindou is mainly known for Les Pics de Sindou (the Sindou Peaks), a nearby sandstone rock formation, which are especially beautiful at the sunset. Although the Sindou Peaks are a genuine tourist attraction, the town has retained its character and charm and is certain worth a visit.

Photo: ShutterStock

Ouahigouya

Ouahigouya is the capital of the Yatenga Province and the fourth-largest city in Burkina Faso. One of its main attractions is the large marketplace, which serves up seasonal produce and unique street food.

Photo: ShutterStock

Sabou

The town of Sabou is famous for its crocodiles. They are considered sacred animals and eating them is forbidden. A special camp for tourists is organized around traditional round huts on the shores of the Pond of Sacred Crocodiles. Sabou would be a nice stop on the way to Bobo-Dioulasso if you are travelling from the center or west part of the country.

Photo: ShutterStock

Banfora

Banfora is a small sleepy town and one of the most beautiful areas in Burkina Faso. In its surroundings you will find the picturesque Karfiguéla Falls and Tengréla Lake, a perfect spot to watch hippos.

Photo: ShutterStock

Bobo-Dioulasso

The second largest city in Burkina Faso, and a major center of culture and music, Bobo-Dioulasso is worth exploring both during the day and at night. Its live music, restaurants, architecture, and charm are not to be missed.

Photo: ShutterStock