Peace Corps in Burkina
The Peace Corps entered Burkina Faso, then Upper Volta, in 1966 and operated uninterrupted for 21 years. Major projects included forestry extension, young farmer education, small enterprise development, secondary education (math, science, and English language), water well construction, agricultural and environmental extension, arts and crafts, basketball coaching, and parks development. In June 1986, the government of Burkina Faso asked the Peace Corps to cease sending Volunteers because the Peace Corps’ programs no longer coincided with Burkina Faso’s development goals. The final 30 Volunteers in the country completed their service in 1987.
In 1995 we were invited back, and 19 trainees arrived in Burkina Faso as part of the newly health project. One year later, the Peace Corps established a secondary education project in response to the government’s urgent request for teachers; Volunteers today teach math, science and, new in 2008, IT.
In 2003, a small enterprise development project began with 15 trainees. In 2005, a girls’ education and empowerment project was initiated to work with communities to improve rates of school enrollment and retention for girls.
Currently, 102 Volunteers work throughout the country, primarily in rural areas. All Peace Corps Volunteers in Burkina Faso, whether working in health, small enterprise development, or education, are also involved in HIV/AIDS education. Approximately 1,500 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Burkina Faso to date.
