Burkina Faso has launched a national education pact aimed at expanding access to schooling, promoting local languages and aligning training with employment needs.
The initiative, known as the NEKRE Pact, was unveiled on Saturday in Kaya, north-central Burkina Faso, at a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo on behalf of President Ibrahim Traoré.
The pact sets out seven priorities, including inclusive education, improved learning conditions, stronger support for teachers, and the integration of science, research and digital technology into national development. It also seeks to promote the country’s history and indigenous knowledge while strengthening accountability in education management.
The government has pledged to address persistent educational inequalities and improve access for vulnerable children, including those displaced by insecurity and those who have dropped out of school. The initiative also targets practices that keep children out of classrooms, including their involvement in gold mining.
Implementation will involve government authorities, teachers, students, parents and education partners, with monitoring mechanisms and regular assessments to track progress.
The launch in Kaya, which has hosted families displaced by jihadist violence, comes as Burkina Faso seeks to rebuild public services amid continuing security challenges.
