In a bid to deter young people from embarking on the perilous journey of irregular migration, Project Ouestaf recently organized a series of theatrical performances in Gounghin, Ouagadougou. The plays highlighted the dangers associated with crossing the desert, clandestine gold exploitation, and the psychological consequences that migrants may face. The performances aimed to encourage the audience to think critically before taking the path of "adventure". The theater became a tool for sensitization on the dramatic consequences of irregular migration.
The theatrical performance told a story that many young people know or may be tempted to experience. The dangers of crossing the desert, snake bites, deaths, and the impact on loved ones and society were all depicted on stage. Oumarou Sawadogo, head of Project Ouestaf, stated that the representation was part of a series of activities launched in March 2025. The project's goals include improving migration governance and raising awareness among young people and women about the risks of irregular migration.
According to Sawadogo, the theatrical performances are part of the project's communication and sensitization strategy. The shows aim to expose young people to the dangers they may face when crossing the desert and those related to clandestine gold exploitation. The ultimate goal is to provoke awareness and a change in behavior. Sawadogo emphasized that if one wants to travel, they should first gather information about the destination country and have the necessary documents to avoid clandestine travel.
The audience seemed to have received the message positively. Ghislain Bado, representative of the President of the special delegation of Gounghin, stated that the population had "well received the message". He stressed that the issue deserves particular attention, especially among young people, and encouraged them to explore existing opportunities in Burkina Faso. Claver Bationo, member of the project's monitoring committee, described the performance as "touching", highlighting the consequences of irregular migration on migrants, their loved ones, and society.
The performance also addressed the psychological repercussions that some migrants may face. Bationo noted that these elements allowed the audience to better understand the potential negative impact of irregular migration. At the end of the performance, Sawadogo expressed satisfaction with the interest shown by the participants, citing the exchanges around the theme as evidence of the attention paid to the issue.
Sawadogo emphasized that often, people travel out of ignorance, and therefore, it is essential to be well-informed before embarking on any journey. Through these performances, Project Ouestaf aims to make theater a space for reflection, so that the desire for elsewhere does not turn into an adventure with irreversible consequences. The project seeks to use theater as a tool to prevent young people from falling prey to the dangers of irregular migration.
By using theater as a means of sensitization, Project Ouestaf hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Burkina Faso. The project's efforts aim to encourage informed decision-making and promote a change in behavior among young people, ultimately reducing the risks associated with irregular migration. The use of theater as a tool for awareness-raising has shown promise, with the audience responding positively to the message.
Key points
- Project Ouestaf uses theater to raise awareness about the risks of irregular migration in Burkina Faso.
- The project's goal is to improve migration governance and promote informed decision-making among young people.
- The theatrical performances aim to expose young people to the dangers of irregular migration and encourage a change in behavior.
