Ouagadougou: The National Fund for Solidarity and Social Resilience (FNS-RS) organized a training session on Friday for 90 vulnerable people in the city of Ouagadougou. These beneficiaries were trained in financial education, marketing, and leadership to better manage their income-generating activities (IGAs).
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Director General of the FNS-RS, Dr. Sami Nicolas Kambou, stated that the initiative aims to equip 90 vulnerable individuals, including many women, with enhanced skills in managing IGAs. The training encompasses financial education, sales techniques, and leadership.
Dr. Kambou explained that the initiative aligns with the vision of the current authorities and is executed through financial resources mobilized during the 17th edition of the Month of Solidarity, held from November 4 to December 4, 2024. The primary goal is to support vulnerable people through income-generating activities (AGR).
For the year 2025, the FNS-RS received 944 applications from across the country’s 13 regions. Following a rigorous selection process, 659 applications were approved, comprising 504 women and 155 men, securing total funding of 66,081,675 FCFA.
Dr. Kambou emphasized the importance of equipping beneficiaries with necessary skills and resources to execute sustainable projects, manage expenses, make informed investments, and anticipate risks. Selection criteria focused on vulnerability, targeting individuals in unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, such as those living with disabilities, widows, internally displaced persons, and female heads of household.
The funded activities span various sectors, including catering, food processing, market gardening, sewing, hairdressing, livestock farming, and the sale of assorted products. The training program will also extend to other localities, including Ziniare, Sapouy, Banfora, Po, and Bobo-Dioulasso.
Dr. Kambou reiterated that the FNS-RS approach aligns with the Ministry of National Solidarity’s guidelines, which emphasize empowering vulnerable populations by enhancing their capabilities. He assured the beneficiaries of ongoing support from FNS-RS on their journey toward autonomy and dignity.
Expressing gratitude, one beneficiary, Aicha Kabre, highlighted the significance of the financial education training in improving the management of activity-related expenses. She appreciated the initiative, acknowledging the positive impact on their capacity building.