Change the lives of 60 street boys in Burkina Faso

Our latest visit to Burkina Faso didn't dissappoint. We were thrilled to find that all the money that was raised during the June Gateway Challenge has been effectivey spent on all the equipment needed to make the project both life changing and sustainable. 

The centre is split into three sections, one for welding, one for training electricians and one for woodwork.

All the theoretical work is done inside while practical activities appear to be done externally.

On our arrival we were greeted by uniform kitted young men who are taking pride in their work and who are amazed that anyone is bothered about giving them the means to improve their future without any strings attached!! 

We were particularly impressed that a girl's project (Dorcas Centre Lafiabougou) has been involved in making the boy's uniforms. Previously the girls had only constructed women's clothes, This gave them the opportunity to add another string to their bow for their own future development as trainee seamstresses.

Training seems to be run very efficiently with good attendance. However, one of the problems that the trainers were finding was that it was easy to get the boys to stay for morning sesions but, as they still have no money they continue to resort to begging on the streets at lunchtime, when they need food. Often they, don't return for the afternoon.

Plans are in place to provide a lunch for them and to develop strategies to break the habitual cycle of begging. Our team are committed to offer help and alternatives to this way of life. The project is stil in it's infancy but progress is being made and we continue to be grateful for your support. Many thanks to each one of you who has helped. Your donation is making such a difference!