Burkina Faso FAQS

Where in the world is Burkina Faso?

Peace Corps only sends volunteers to third world countries. How poor is Burkina Faso?

It's actually one of the poorest countries to which Peace Corps sends its volunteers.
46.7% of the people in Burkina Faso live under the poverty line. 
77% are unemployed.

The GDP per capita of Burkina Faso is the equivalent of  $1,500 USD (ranked 203rd in the world).
Even though its numbers remain low compared to much of the world, Burkina Faso is ranked 28th internationally in GDP growth rate. THAT'S HUGE! A lot of this is a result of programs and aid from the European Union.  

This and further information can be found in the CIA World Factbook.

Can you explain that in relative terms?

Here's a helpful site that compares the United States to Burkina Faso. Their numbers are also based on the CIA World Factbook. For example, you'd make 97.41% less money in Burkina Faso than in the United States.

What will you be doing there?

My primary assignment is to be a junior high science teacher and help with after-school programs.

Peace Corps sends education, health and economic development volunteers to Burkina Faso. My Bachelors degree in the sciences qualifies me to be a science teacher, thus I received an education placement. Due to the illiteracy and difficulty in keeping children in schools in Burkina Faso, Peace Corps has focused on supporting Burkina Faso's pre-school programs and junior high school programs.

What is the duration of your assignment?

27 months. Depart USA June 6, 2014. Return from Burkina Faso August 19, 2016.

Where will you live?

For the first 9 weeks, I will be living with a host family while I commute on bike to the training center. The remaining 2 years of service, I will live in the town of Boussé, which is 45 km north of Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. My house has three rooms and a giant courtyard.

What language will you be speaking?

My work will be in French. However, only the educated part of the population knows French. So, when I am at my site, I will also speak the local language, which is Mooré in Boussé. 

What will you eat?

From what Peace Corps explains, the meals are very simple: a staple food (rice, millet, yams, sorghum, or maize) served with a sauce. Sounds like an American fad diet to me. Fruits and veggies are a luxury, with only one or two available per season. The mangoes are the best in the world!

No, I didn't mention coffee. And I LOVE coffee. I am bringing my small French press and coffee grounds with me from San Diego until I can find specific places that have it available. Nescafé instant coffee seems to be the only available option here.

No, I didn't mention chocolate. I don't want to talk about it...

What is Burkina Faso's status on sanitation?

I will be drinking water from a pump. I will either have to boil the water or use a special filter provided by Peace Corps...every single time.

If you can't peel it, wash it or heat it, LEAVE IT. 

What happens when I come across a beautiful fruit salad when stopping by a larger town? Unless I'm cruisin' for a bruisin', I'm running away from that salad as fast as I can. There's no saying that the fruit is washed, the cook has clean hands, the other ingredients are bacteria-free, etc. I could get very, very sick. This is not me being a clean freak because I totally follow the 10-second rule when food falls on the ground. If I'm at a nicer hotel or restaurant in the capital, it's usually pretty safe.

MORE FAQS TO COME!

Have a question that you think would be helpful to be on this page? Or have any other comments? Please write them in the comment box below.