The association Rêves de Gracias has launched the second edition of its program "Un cartable pour un sourire" (A School Bag for a Smile) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The initiative aims to support children from vulnerable families by providing them with school kits and assisting their parents. The program's goal is to enable each child to succeed, regardless of their background or difficulties.
The program has provided 150 children with complete school kits to help them start the 2026-2027 school year. This brings the total number of children supported by the program to 309, including 159 children from the first edition. According to Tatiana Tapsoba, the president of Rêves de Gracias, the association's conviction is that every child deserves to succeed.
The association has also presented the academic results of the children supported, showing an overall success rate of 85.7%. Many of the beneficiaries, including some CM2 students, have obtained their Certificat d'études primaires (CEP) and will continue their education at the collège. Others have been admitted to the BEPC and will attend lycée.
For children who did not meet expectations, the association plans to maintain support to prevent them from dropping out of school. According to Tapsoba, every child has academic potential if they have a favorable learning environment. The association will provide ongoing support to help them improve.
The second edition of the program also saw the launch of "Un mentor pour demain" (A Mentor for Tomorrow), which will match top students with inspiring personalities who can share their experiences and offer guidance. The goal is to help students understand the path to success and develop their own.
The beneficiaries have expressed gratitude for the support, with Latifatou Nikiéma, speaking on behalf of her peers, thanking the association and its partners for the school kits. Tapsoba has encouraged the children to work hard and believe in themselves, emphasizing that their current situation does not define their future.
Rêves de Gracias plans to expand its educational program, develop mentorship opportunities, and continue supporting women's empowerment in the coming year. The association's efforts have been made possible through the support of donors, volunteers, and partners who contribute to the program's success.
Key points
- 150 vulnerable children in Burkina Faso have received school kits to start the new school year.
- The association Rêves de Gracias has achieved an overall success rate of 85.7% among supported children.
- The program "Un cartable pour un sourire" aims to support children from vulnerable families and help them succeed academically.
