Ouagadougou: Student Awa Ou©draogo, completing her professional degree in development communication at the Universit© Aube Nouvelle (U-AUBEN), brilliantly defended her internship dissertation on July 15, 2025, on the fight against teenage and youth pregnancies in schools. She obtained a grade of 18/20.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the theme of her dissertation is entitled: ‘Analysis of the communication of the African Youth Health and Development Network in Burkina Faso (RAJS/BF) in the fight against pregnancies among teenagers and young people in schools in the municipalities of Ouagadougou, Koubri, and Pabr©’.

Under the direction of Mr. Sondet Guillaume Sanon, an expert in community health, strategic communication, gender, and president of the Board of Directors of RAJS/BF, Awa Ou©draogo analyzed the communication strategies used by this NGO to raise awareness and prevent unwanted and early pregnancies in schools.

The jury, chaired by Dr. Jean Pierre Ilboudo, director of the Institute of Communication, Journalism, Audiovisual and Cinema Professions (IMCJAC), praised the relevance of a topical theme and the rigor of the work presented.

The supervisor, Mr. Lazare Pouya, highlighted the applicant’s dynamism and perseverance. Mr. Sanon, the internship supervisor, also spoke of her determination throughout her mission at RAJS/BF.

In her summary, the student recalled that communication for development plays a key role in transforming mentalities and promoting responsible behavior, particularly in matters of sexual and reproductive health.

The study revealed that communication is a major lever in the fight against teenage pregnancies. RAJS/BF’s actions in the targeted municipalities have achieved encouraging results, although challenges remain. Integrating sex education into school curricula and strengthening intergenerational dialogue appear to be sustainable solutions.

The jury praised the excellence of her work by awarding her a score of 18/20.