In Burkina Faso, where access to digital resources and education remains limited in rural areas, Vulgatic, a digital education platform, is bridging the gap. Founded by Lassina Bamba, Vulgatic aims to make knowledge accessible to the largest number of people, particularly in rural communities. The platform offers an educational software solution that integrates basic education content, allowing users to access pedagogical resources without an internet connection.
Vulgatic's mission is to provide practical knowledge to farmers, breeders, and village leaders through adapted training. Initially, the platform conducted a training experience in Pissila, where it was found that populations wanted to acquire practical knowledge in local poultry farming, pig farming, and small ruminant breeding. Vulgatic then developed educational resources, including videos, adapted to local realities, with comments and translations in national languages.
Vulgatic has partnered with the association KA TUMAN, which has a good understanding of the communities' needs. Together, they have provided training to people in 36 villages around Bobo-Dioulasso. The results are encouraging, with some beneficiaries developing their agricultural activities, increasing their production areas, or diversifying their sources of income. The training has also focused on combining traditional crops with market gardening to extend productive activities beyond the rainy season.
To consolidate the skills of 49 people who have already received training, Vulgatic plans to provide further training. The assessment of their acquired skills is generally satisfactory, with beneficiaries learning to use their phones for more than personal exchanges or social networks. They can now search for market information, consult agricultural product prices, and compare economic opportunities.
However, some limitations have been observed, including the loss of acquired skills due to lack of regular practice and follow-up. Vulgatic has learned that a one-time training session is not enough and that ongoing support is necessary to consolidate skills and promote their effective use. The platform has therefore prioritized training for members of village development councils, who play a key role in the reflection, organization, and implementation of development actions at the village level.
The training provided by Vulgatic has equipped members of village development councils with skills in text processing, table calculation, and access to information. These skills enable them to carry out their responsibilities more effectively, including organizing and managing community activities. By giving them the means to access knowledge and information, Vulgatic aims to contribute to the socio-economic development of rural communities.
As Vulgatic continues to implement its program, it plans to train 119 people in the coming phase, in partnership with KA TUMAN. The platform's ambition is to make digital technology a tool for creating wealth in rural areas, thereby contributing to the country's development. By providing access to education and digital resources, Vulgatic is empowering rural communities to take control of their socio-economic development and improve their living conditions.
Key points
- Vulgatic's training programs have enabled rural communities to acquire practical skills in agriculture, animal husbandry, and financial management.
