Background – Large areas of Burkina Faso lie within the Sahel . The entire economy is based on agriculture. More than 90 per cent of the workforce is involved in agricultural work, the majority of them as subsistence farmers. Since independence in 1960, the country has been receiving economic assistance. Nevertheless, it remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The barren ground and the rather high population growth are additional burdens to be borne by the people of Burkina Faso . The prospects for the future of the young people are bleak: there are a distinct lack of opportunities for training and development and the number of illiterate people is disturbingly high. Underemployment and unemployment are the consequences. Many people chance their luck in the neighbouring countries, where the situation is not much better than in Burkina Faso .

Project – Swisscontact is advising local consortiums of artisans and the national authorities on how to set up a national system of vocational training. The pupils are now attending a vocational school one day a week. Along with the expertise important for their trades, they are also instructed in essential subjects, such as the prevention of Aids. Many of them only learn to read and write when they come to this school. Women are particularly encouraged by being trained in those trades in which they are traditionally involved. As a matter of policy, the curriculum is geared towards meeting the needs of Burkina Faso . At present, this covers courses for tailors, hairdressers and barbers, vehicle and motor mechanics, electricians, and training in housekeeping. Teaching staff for these trades are also being trained and developed. In the ten locations throughout the country, some 600 young people (40% women) from poor backgrounds are learning a trade. 800 female and male artisans are taking further training, in order to become teachers. 150 (30%) instructors are active in the vocational schools. A qualified workforce is not all that is needed, but is an important prerequisite for a functioning economy. Burkina Faso has decided to join forces with Swisscontact to make a concerted effort to combat the poverty.