Jacques Lamonde,Chief of the Cooperation Department from the Embassy of Burkina Faso, with CCFC Finance Manager, Esmel Oubda

On July 21, 2008 the Country Director of CCFC Burkina, Marie Henriette Salembere, led a delegation of 5 Country Office staff to the Canadian Embassy in Ouagadougou. Our counterpart was Mr Jacques Lamonde, Chief of the Cooperation Department at the Embassy. The purpose of the visit was to present the current situation at the Burkina Office: outlines of the mid-term assessment, human resources improvement and the upcoming challenges to face.

Marie Henriette first thanked Mr Lamonde for every commitment the Embassy showed towards CCFC. In particular, the Embassy officials were present for the launch of the three-year plan of the Country Office 2 years ago at Tenkodogo and a well was funded in aid of one of our partners.

The Country Director added that now time has come to review the 3-year plan and eventually adapt it to realities before developing a new one. She also noted that the human resources have improved, in quality and quantity. The Country Office now works with 4 managers including an incoming Communications specialist.

Following this introduction, one after the other, each of the attendees gave an overview of his/her activities. The Sponsorship Manager (Josianne Nare) spoke of the 5000 children currently sponsored throughout all programs. The Program Manager (Edouard Nonguierma) gave details on the programs underway in the 14 communities. The Finance Manager (Esmel Oubda) emphasized on the numbers: almost 2 billions F CFA invested over the last two years. As for the Communications Manager (Crepin Hilaire DADJO), he raised the challenges to meet so as to get more knowledge on CCFC, more support and recognition from the politicians, the donors community, the general public and the media, in particular. He also stressed on the burning need from Canadian sponsors to be updated on every improvement in the field due to their commitment.

Mr Lamonde was clearly interested in CCFC work in the country. Among other things, he asked many questions related to the history of the organization, its link with Toronto Office, the specific collaboration with the Ministry of social action. He was happy when hearing some former sponsored children are now studying abroad, others have got a job. He added the Embassy will eventually consider to resupply the little grants open for Ngos. CCFC Burkina is eligible and can be funded if original projects are submitted.

The Embassy official ended up with a presentation of the bilateral cooperation between Canada and Burkina. The key areas are basic education and support to the private sector (milk, shea and banana). He also said the Embassy will probably soon inject some 5 millions dollars through agriculture to support the Government efforts to mitigate the high global food crisis.