Education is a major need in Burkina Faso, and is key in its development and its poverty reduction strategy.

Education Needs

Burkina has one of the lowest primary school enrolment ratio (40% in 2004), second lowest adult literacy rate (21.8%), and fourth lowest combined school enrolment ratio (26.4%). It is recognised that better education is "fundamental to the prospects for economic and social development and the end of world poverty."

A Government Priority

Although poor, Burkina Faso is a stable country, and the government is investing in the development and infrastructure of the country. Education is a government priority in line with the UN Millennium Development Goals, such that the primary school enrolment has increased from 29% in 1991 to the current levels. Debt relief has enabled the Burkina Faso government to increase spending on its 10-year Development Plan for Basic Education (2001-2010), focussing on basic education, rural provision, and improving girl pupil enrolment.

Church Schools in Burkina Faso

Christian schools play a significant role in the education system in Burkina Faso. For example, in the school year 2007-08, 13,430 students went through Assemblies of God primary schools. Such Christian schools are recognised as having high educational standards and pass rates. In this way, they train workers for the country - there is hardly any area today where there are not former primary or secondary students of these schools in areas of leadership. At the same time, many of these people have come to understand the truth of Christ and his teaching through their contact at school.