Burkina Faso: In Kongoussi, “Kids Clubs” restore smiles and hope for children

The municipality of Kongoussi is located in the Kuilsé region, in north-central Burkina Faso. In this locality, many forcibly displaced children live through particularly harsh daily realities. They face painful memories and negative thoughts that deeply affect their wellbeing and development.

In this context, World Vision’s interventions have led to the establishment of Kids Clubs, which have become an essential tool for restoring joy, hope, and a sense of normality to the lives of these children.

“When I come here every Saturday, we are taught many things, such as respecting parents and older people. I am very happy because we also play with other children,” says Faouzia, a Kids Club participant, with a shy but sincere smile.

Every weekend, community facilitators trained by World Vision teams organise activities lasting around two hours for children in the municipality of Kongoussi. The programme includes a lesson, dancing, singing, educational games such as waré, Ludo and card games, sports activities, and moments of sharing. Simple but precious moments that allow children to express themselves, rebuild their confidence, and form bonds.

For these children, the Kids Club is far more than just a recreational activity. It is a true refuge, a space where laughter returns to their daily lives and where happiness is clearly visible on their faces.

These community activities are implemented as part of the project “Protecting and Empowering Children and Their Families in the Kuilsé and Bankui Regions Through Humanitarian Action”, funded by World Vision US. Through this project, 300 children have benefited from Kids Club activities in the municipalities of Kongoussi and Dédougou.

Alain, a Kids Club facilitator in Kongoussi, shares his experience:

“We meet the children every Saturday evening at three different sites. We address important topics such as the creation of humankind by God, good manners, respect for elders and hygiene. At first, some children were withdrawn, but as they continued to participate, we observed positive changes. They become more open and happier. When children are together, they learn to listen to one another and to play together, which is essential for our society.”

World Vision has deployed eight community facilitators in the field, like Alain, who are responsible for implementing Kids Club activities. Drawn from local communities, their role is crucial to the effective implementation and success of these child-friendly spaces.

Zoenabou, a participant, enthusiastically shares her joy at meeting her friends every week and spending moments of laughter and happiness with them, away from the hardships of daily life.

Beyond the activities themselves, the Kids Clubs above all help to restore smiles to the children of the municipalities of Kongoussi and Dédougou, the project’s intervention areas.