Inclusive Futures: Vocational training in Burkina Faso

Project Details 

In Burkina Faso, persons living with disabilities often face significant barriers to education, training and employment. Social stigma and exclusion can limit opportunities to generate income, resulting in dependence on family and community members.

Funded by Guernsey Overseas Aid, this 12-month project aims to improve livelihoods and promote social inclusion for 75 young people with disabilities in Bobo-Dioulasso. By partnering with the Platforme Nationale du Commerce Equitable du Burkina (PNCEB) and the Association Fraternité des Personnes Handicapées Physique de Bobo (AFPHPB), the project will establish and strengthen a vocational training centre that provides accessible, professional skills development.

All participants will receive training in the production of different trades, including crop protection supplies, bike and motorbike adaptation for people with disabilities, vehicle repair and traditional crafts. Participants will receive start-up tools and materials to establish sustainable production and income generation.

In order to support production, the project will enhance market access and enterprise promotion through community engagement activities and radio shows, raising awareness of the enterprises and reducing social stigma. Production groups will also become registered cooperatives or Economic Interest Groups, consolidating long-term, sustainable production and income generation.

Project Objectives

• Support 75 people with physical disabilities to gain professional qualifications and establish income-generating activities.
• Deliver vocational training in crop protection supplies, bike and motorbike adaptation, vehicle repair and traditional crafts.
• Strengthen market access through enterprise promotion and community engagement.
• Support the formation of four Economic Interest Groups to improve business sustainability.
• Increase participants’ incomes and improve their ability to meet households needs.
• Promote greater social inclusion and reduce stigma surrounding disability through public awareness activities reaching up to 2,500 community members.