Improving Teacher Retention, Professional Development, and Well-being in the North and Sahel Regions of Burkina Faso

Introduction

In Burkina Faso, Terre des Hommes (with the support of the Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (RTIA) – Facility) aims to improve the integration, retention, career progression, and well-being of teachers in the crisis-affected regions of Ouahigouya, Gourcy, Dori, and Djibo.

Burkina Faso has been experiencing a humanitarian and security crisis since 2015, with two military coups in 2022. Over 270 attacks on schools were reported in 2022-2023. As of March 2024, 20% of the country’s schools were closed (Ministry of Education), affecting more than 820 000 students, especially girls, and 24 000 teachers (UNESCO). Support is still greatly needed to ensure educational continuity and provide decent learning conditions for displaced and vulnerable children.

Objectives

• Strengthen Burkina Faso’s educational framework
• Promote teacher career development by improving teacher integration, retention, and career progression
• Improve the well-being of teachers in crisis-affected areas
• Ensure educational continuity for displaced and vulnerable children

Over 2 400 people, including 20 political and government decision-makers, 830 support stakeholders in the education sector, and 1 610 teachers and school agents will be included in the programme. The programme’s benefits will extend to 56 000 students, 60% of whom are girls aged between 6 and 16.

Project activities

• Reinforce Education Systems & Support Structures​: Train pedagogical supervisors, equip education districts, strengthen school management, and advocate for teacher career development.
• Improve Teacher Well-being & Working Conditions​: Provide psychosocial care, therapeutic retreats, teaching materials, and support school-based income-generating initiatives.
• Upgrade Teaching Skills for Crisis Contexts​: Train teachers in emergency education, conflict-sensitive methods, and establish school safety committees and learning hubs.
• Boost Digital Skills & Collaboration​: Deliver ICT and online safety training and build a digital platform for teacher networking and continuous learning.

(Expected) results

• Stronger Teacher Retention & Support​: Improved supervision, transportation, and career follow-up mechanisms through local education institutions.
• Improved Psychosocial Well-being & Work Conditions​: Teachers in crisis zones receive psychosocial care, peer support, and better material conditions.
• Enhanced Professional Capacity & Digital Literacy​: Teachers adopt crisis-sensitive, digital, and inclusive pedagogy with access to learning hubs.
• Increased Community Safety & Institutional Engagement​: Safer learning environments through local committees and digital peer networks.

Implementing partners

Expertise France, Terre Des Hommes & Diocesan Communication Center (CDC); Regional and Provincial Directorates in charge of Education and Humanitarian Action