The Social Centre for Literacy and Integral Development of Individuals and Families was set up in 2013 following a request from the people of Sector 24. It was set up as a meeting and training space to improve the quality of life of the population of this sector, particularly women and families. Since then, the Centre has continued to evolve, always striving to meet the challenge of human dignity, especially for women and Burkinabè women. It welcomes women, men, and girls from Monday to Friday for literacy classes. Over time, in response to learners’ requests, we gave them a trade to help them get by and meet their basic needs. Several workshops have thus been set up. This year, there are three days of literacy classes and two days of workshops. The workshops on offer are dyeing and bag weaving.
Initially, the need was expressed by the people concerned with illiteracy; today, it has changed, as we have seen a decline in the number of students. Listening to new calls and in the light of last year’s results, I realized the importance of a sewing workshop. So, to meet this demand, the sewing workshop was set up. Seventeen young girls showed up to begin the training. These girls are all displaced from their place of origin. They didn’t want to be here; they’d like to continue their regular training like all other young people, but because of their living conditions, their parents can’t afford to send all their children to school due to a lack of financial means and insecurity in the country. We have opened this space to enable those who want to benefit from this training to do so.
The girls we have welcomed are very dynamic learners. They show desire, enthusiasm, and dedication; this encourages and helps the animators to give their best to accompany them. They take the Dyula literacy course to improve their skills. Some essential courses, such as body and food hygiene, self-knowledge, and family life education, have been integrated into the workshop. We’re delighted to be able to offer this training space to enable these young people to benefit from knowledge and acquire professional skills. When you talk to them, you can tell they’re dynamic but shy. I asked them if they would like to share their experience with us, and they gladly agreed. I want to let a few of them share their experience at the Centre since October 2023.
Let’s hear some of them…
‘’My name is Adeline, and I’m the second in my family. My father is a catechist from the Diocese of Doris in the country’s north. Because of insecurity, we came to Bobo in 2019. I was a boarder at a college, but because of displacement, my father no longer had the means for me to continue in school. In October 2023, I decided to take the cutting and sewing course. Since I came to the Centre, I had the opportunity to meet other friends with whom I share the same reality. I’m happy because I’ve discovered the love, kindness, and determination of the teachers who give us lessons. We are supported and encouraged; they advise us to follow the lessons better and be attentive and participative in all the different subjects. I’m happy with my choice of sewing. Today, I can sew by hand and make embroidered layettes, which I can then sell.
Two months ago, I started practicing on the machine. The sisters come and give us lessons on life. Classes on self-knowledge and getting to know ourselves better to get to know others. You can’t get these kinds of courses outside. I have already comprehended many things and want to get to know myself even better. I’m happy with my choice because today, I’m able to sew by hand and make embroidered layettes, which I can then sell.’’
‘’My name is Adeline; last September, we heard the announcement at church that the Sisters were opening a cutting and sewing training center. I asked my dad if he could sign me up for cutting and sewing, which he did. I arrived at the Centre on October 1, 2023, to begin my training. I chose sewing because I like it, but it’s not what I want to do. I was supposed to do the third year and get my BPC, but my mother’s death turned everything upside down. Dad no longer has the means to pay for my schooling. The security situation in our country forced us to leave our village and abandon all our belongings to take refuge in Bobo. I thank God I can sew by hand and make layette today, and I’ve mastered the machine a little. I’m happy because, having learned so much, I want to know even more to be a good seamstress. The sisters give us courses in self-knowledge, hygiene and sanitation, family life education, and health (prevention of certain diseases).
‘’My name is Pascaline. I’m a learner at the sisters’ Literacy Centre. I’m the fourth in my family. We’ve been in Bobo since June 2023 because of the insecurity in our country, which forced us to flee our village. My parents can’t afford to send us to school. When the advertisement came through, my dad went to ask around, and the sister in charge told him that the fees were 15,000 FCFA for the whole year, which was reasonable. He enrolled me, and in October, I started classes. I met friends from the same village; we had fun together, encouraged each other, gave advice, and understood each other. We all fled from the terrorists. I like what they teach us: the Dyula language, self-knowledge, personal hygiene, etc. I’m happy with my training in cutting and sewing. Before coming to the center, I knew nothing about sewing, but today, I can sew by hand, and I’ve finished my layette, which I can sell. I did not know Dyula or family life education; I’ve learned much thanks to the animators and the sisters. Thank you, and God bless you.
Unity, learning, developing skills, and the possibility of making a living. The article briefly introduces one educational project where the person’s dignity is central: building community and empowering young women and families from the sector to grow and have the means to live a life with dignity.
The Little Sisters of the Assumption, an excerpt from an article written by Sr Patience, PSA, for the May edition of the Pain de Chez Nous
