plowunited.net – Teaching in Burkina Faso has become a perilous endeavor as escalating jihadist violence disrupts education across the country. Islamist militants, who began targeting schools in 2015, now control up to 40% of Burkina Faso. Forcing thousands of schools to shut down and driving teachers out of the profession.
During the 2022-2023 period, militants attacked more than 270 schools, forcing the closure of one-fifth of all institutions. Armed groups now dominate nearly half of the nation, displacing millions and creating a dire humanitarian crisis that has left 6.3 million people in need of aid. For two consecutive years, global reports have named Burkina Faso the world’s most neglected displacement crisis.
Despite the risks, some educators continue their mission. One teacher, who faced direct violence, shared their harrowing story: “Militants demanded answers—why I was teaching, where I came from, and why I defied their orders to close the school. Teaching is more than a job; it’s my purpose.”
Teachers in Burkina Faso Face Grave Risks to Keep Education Alive
In one of the most dangerous regions for teachers globally, many educators in Burkina Faso have abandoned their posts due to escalating violence. Nearly a quarter of schools in the country were forced to close in 2023, with Islamist militants making life unbearable for residents.
One teacher recounted their harrowing experience of militants capturing them while traveling 60 kilometers to assist with school examinations. “I couldn’t sleep the night before, knowing the journey was dangerous. Initially, I decided against it but ultimately took the risk,” they said.
Typically, educators traveling to schools in high-risk areas rely on helicopter transport, but this teacher chose to proceed by road, believing it was a manageable risk. Armed militants intercepted their journey, detaining them alongside other travelers for days. The captors demanded they deliver a message: the area must be evacuated, and the school shut down.
Despite the ordeal, the teacher returned to their school, refusing to abandon their mission. “Teaching is more than a job; it’s my purpose,” they said.
This courage stands as a testament to the resilience of educators determined to provide learning opportunities for children, even under life-threatening conditions.
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Burkina Faso’s Teachers Persevere Amid Devastating Attacks on Education
Since 2016, Burkina Faso has endured some of the worst attacks on education globally. Armed militias have unleashed terror, killing, raping, and kidnapping as part of their campaign. More than 26,000 people have lost their lives, and the crisis remains one of the most neglected in the world.
A teacher recounts witnessing the gradual escalation of violence. “In my first year of teaching, the environment was stable. But in 2018, the fighters began to infiltrate, initially targeting police and military personnel. As they expanded control, they turned their focus to community leaders like mayors, chiefs, and eventually, teachers.”
Militants issued threats through notes left at schools and set books ablaze as warnings. Roadblocks were erected, cutting off access to schools, and infrastructure like roads, electricity, and communication networks was destroyed, making daily operations impossible.
“We arrived at school to find burned books and threats demanding we leave,” the teacher explained. “For weeks, students and staff struggled to reach the school due to blockades. These methods broke the resolve of many colleagues, forcing them to leave their roles.”
Despite the overwhelming challenges, some educators refuse to give up, driven by their commitment to their students and the belief that education is the foundation for a better future. These teachers continue to work under constant threat, embodying resilience in the face of adversity.
Persevere Through Hunger and Conflict to Educate Future Generations
Despite relentless threats from militant groups and a severe economic crisis, teachers in Burkina Faso continue to provide education for children in the most dangerous conditions. One dedicated teacher shares their story, revealing the hardships endured to keep schools open.
“I am both a supervisor and a teacher because there is no funding to incentivize volunteers or hire enough staff,” the teacher explained. “Under siege, life has become unbearably expensive. Traditional meals of millet and beans now cost over 7,000 francs (£8.90), more than four times their previous price. With farmers unable to work and herders displaced, families struggle to afford basic needs, leaving many students hungry and unable to pay school fees.”
Despite these challenges, the teacher and their colleagues refuse to abandon their mission. “The authorities considered closing schools due to security risks, but we committed to continue teaching if supported with safe travel and food assistance for our students.”
The lack of resources and ongoing conflict have made education a formidable task, yet these teachers remain resolute. “We will always care for the future of these poor children,” the teacher said. “They will be the ones to rebuild and shape the future of our dear nation.”
This powerful story highlights the resilience of educators in Burkina Faso and their unwavering dedication to ensuring that children in conflict-affected areas receive an education. It underscores the urgent need for international support to address the humanitarian crisis and secure the future of the country’s youth.