Children Believe, a non-governmental organization, has provided 16 young graduates with their first professional experience through an internship program. The program, which began in July 2026, aimed to facilitate the insertion of young graduates into the professional world by offering them hands-on experience in various departments within the organization. The interns were placed in eight departments, including finance, administration, project management, and communication.
The internship program, which is part of Children Believe's efforts to support young graduates, included training workshops on job search techniques and entrepreneurship. The workshops were organized in collaboration with the National Employment Agency (ANPE) and aimed to equip the interns with the skills needed to succeed in the job market. According to Mavalow Christelle Kalhoule, director of Children Believe in Burkina Faso, the program seeks to go beyond promoting education by also contributing to the professional insertion of young graduates.
The internship program was formalized by Children Believe in 2025, and this year's cohort is the second batch of interns to benefit from the program. The interns were supervised by experienced professionals in their respective fields and were given the opportunity to work on real projects and develop their skills. The program also provided a platform for the interns to network with professionals in their fields and gain insights into the world of work.
Debora Bonogo, one of the interns, said that the program was a valuable experience that helped her develop new skills and gain confidence in her abilities. She was placed in the sponsorship department and worked on various projects, including translating documents and drafting emails. Bonogo said that she was grateful for the opportunity to work with Children Believe and that the experience had prepared her for the job market.
The internship program was capped with a graduation ceremony, where the interns received certificates of completion. The ceremony was attended by representatives from partner organizations, government agencies, and the private sector. Dr. Jacob Yarassoula Yarabatioula, director general of the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM), was the guest of honor and urged the interns to continue to work hard and believe in themselves.
Dr. Yarassoula emphasized the importance of learning and self-effort in achieving success. He said that while access to information and knowledge is crucial, it is equally important to develop a growth mindset and be willing to learn and adapt. He encouraged the interns to value the experiences they had gained during their internship and to use them as a foundation for future success.
The internship program is part of Children Believe's efforts to support the development of young people in Burkina Faso. According to Kalhoule, the organization recognizes that many young graduates face challenges in accessing employment opportunities and is committed to providing them with the skills and experience needed to succeed. The program is also seen as a way to encourage young people to stay in Burkina Faso and contribute to the country's development.
Key points
- Children Believe provides internship opportunities to young graduates in Burkina Faso to support their professional insertion.
- The internship program includes training workshops on job search techniques and entrepreneurship.
- The program aims to equip young graduates with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the job market.
