A Discussion with Raïnatou Ouedraogo, Student, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

With: Raïnatou Ouedraogo Berkley Center Profile

July 30, 2014

Background: In July 2014, as part of the Education and Social Justice Project, undergraduate student Hopey Fink interviewed Raïnatou Ouedraogo, a second-year student at the University of Ouagadougou. In this interview, Ouedraogo discusses family impact on education, girls’ education, and the French system of education used in Burkina Faso.  
To begin, could you introduce yourself and describe a bit your education?  

My name is Raïnatou Ouedraogo. I am in my second year of economy at the University of Ouagadougou.  

Why did you choose to study economy?
 

In fact, I did not want to do economy—I wanted to study medicine. I even did two months of medicine, but then I fell ill. Since the medical program is very intense, my parents told me to give it up. The program for economy is lighter, so I am doing that now. I had missed a few months while I was sick, so now I am a year behind.

Since I was little, I have been interested in medicine. I wanted to heal people, help people—act as the hand of God, with human contact.  

Do you think that, with economy, you might be able to do that in a different manner?
 

Economy, as it is taught here, is mostly concerned with the material world. But I think that there is still opportunity to have human contact. For example, if I decide to concentrate in development economy, that would allow me to work with people. It depends.  

Is education something that is important in your family?
 

Of course—it is very important. My father did not get very far in his studies. He tells all of us, “Study! Work hard! You must get a master’s degree, or a doctorate.” Every time one of his friends brings his children to our house, my father encourages us to do as they have done. I feel pressure to get a master’s degree and a good job. I am not interested in working in the government, like my father does. Oftentimes there is no choice.

How did you hear about CERCLE [Center of Studies and Reflection for Students (le Centre d’Etude et de Réflexion pour Collégiens, Lycéens et Etudiants)]?  

It was a friend who made me start coming here. When I was in high school I was registered for an accounting course, and so was he. He told me about the study groups they had at CERCLE, and one day I decided to go with him and study… When I am here now, I study both individually and in groups. I use the chalkboards and tables… Sometimes I go into the reading room for a bit to look at the newspapers before returning to studying.  

Have you taken any courses or trainings here?
 

Yes, I participated in a couple of training sessions—"Environmental Management" and "Conflict Management." I am also part of an English formation group. Unfortunately, I am not able to take an English class at the university since it is not part of the economics program. I started studying English in middle school, but for the moment the two times a week at CERCLE are the only time I get to practice.  

How did you find the quality of instruction at CERCLE?
 

The trainings were very well taught. For example, in the "Conflict Management" class, everyone knows the situation of the government in Burkina. It was a good opportunity to discuss current events—everyone in the class participated, and the instructor was very animated. The "Environment Management" class was also very relevant.  

What role does faith play in the environment at CERCLE? What are the interreligious dynamics like?
 

Sometimes we have debates about religion. We often have prayers as well, and the Stations of the Cross on Wednesdays. It is true that these services are for Catholics, but everyone is welcome here. Once I even saw a flyer for a Protestant prayer group that was allowed to be posted here. Non-Catholics often come when the fathers say Mass here as well.
 

You mentioned earlier that your father is Muslim. What is the interreligious dynamic like in your family?
 

It is rather interesting in my house! My father is Muslim, and so are my brothers. My mother is Catholic, and my sister and I are as well. On Muslim holidays, it is still the women who prepare the meals, so we still take part in their traditions. It is the same thing on Catholic holidays; my father and brothers celebrate with us.  

Are there equal numbers of boys and girls here at CERCLE?
 

Sadly, no. In the "Conflict Management" class I took, there were three girls, and the seventeen others were boys. I am the only girl in my English group! I think that girls are more numerous in the support courses for high schoolers, and they use the tables and chalkboards for sure… I think not as many girls are interested in the training sessions. There were a lot of girls who participated in the Culture Night we had in May.  

What do you think about the system of education in Burkina Faso?

I think that the system of education in Burkina has to start with parents who care about education for their children. I cannot speak in comparison to other systems, because I do not know them, but the French system that we use here does not encourage individual enterprise. It forms us to fit the system. And it is general. We learn almost entirely theory. Oftentimes internships do not correspond to your diploma, and internships are very hard to get.  

Are there any specific challenges for women in education?
 

Of course. But we have entered into the educational system. We are fighting. Like boys, we can go far if we want to. It is a question of will and desire. Women are not just makeup and earrings and clothes. Women are intelligence. We can get diplomas.  

In fact, we have a saying that says, “If you educate a girl, you educate a nation.” Because women are the ones who are going to transmit their education to their children. I feel strongly that we need to educate girls and give them equal opportunities.  

Do you have hopes for your country, or for education in general?

Yes, of course. To start, a country without bread cannot study. And when there is fighting, school stops. I hope that our country remains stable, and that our leaders value bringing “bread” to the people. I hope that the leaders focus more on educating girls. I would like to see more sensitization campaigns in the rural areas too about girls’ education. I think that the first lady and other famous women have the power to spread awareness, and it would be good if they did so.
 

I want to be able to return to CERCLE in the future and find it still open.
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