Initiative to Support Basic Education

This initiative supports the efforts of the Government of Burkina Faso with the implementation of its Plan for Basic Education Strategic Development (PDSEB) in order to improve the accessibility and quality of basic education. It also seeks to reduce disparities related to gender, disabilities, as well as social and geographic considerations, and to strengthen the institutional capacities of the Ministry of National Education and Literacy (MENA). The project is a continuity of DFATD’s financial and technical support for Burkina Faso’s Basic Education Development Plan (PDDEB) since 2001.

PDSEB activities include: 1) constructing school infrastructure (schools, boreholes, and latrines); 2) supplying equipment, teaching materials and school supplies, as well as 3) management capacity building of MENA personnel undertaking its main reforms. The project is part of a pooling of funds coordinated by Canada and other technical and financial partners, including France, Denmark, Luxembourg, Switzerland, UNICEF, and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). As with all pooled fund projects, Canada is working in close cooperation with other donors and the Government of Burkina Faso to promote effective, transparent, and accountable country systems; increase donor coordination and harmonization; and strengthen mutual accountability. This pooled fund also fosters greater policy dialogue among donors, government, and partners, which helps to strengthen efforts for effective, focussed aid, and long-term development results. This project is continuously monitored and evaluated in coordination with other donors.