Healing Invisible Wounds: Trauma Care in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso has been facing one of the most severe security crises in its recent history, triggering massive internal displacement. Families left behind homes and sometimes even loved ones, witnesses to violence no human being should ever endure. Hundreds of thousands of children have been deprived of education, stability, hope and time for healing.

Students at La Bonne Nouvelle School standing with Executive Director of International Needs Burkina Faso – Jean Koné

When our IN school, La Bonne Nouvelle, welcomed internally displaced children, we quickly realised that providing access to a classroom was not enough. Some children would jump at the slightest noise. Others withdrew into silence, unable to focus, and many suffered from recurring nightmares. The trauma was visible.

We could not simply expect them to learn. This realisation led to the creation of our Trauma Counselling Programme. Trained psychologists and pastors conduct regular counselling sessions in a safe and supportive environment. For many children, it is the first time they can express their painful memories openly.

Health and wellness outreach – hygiene and fitness promotion, led by the sponsorship coordinator

Since its launch in 2022, the programme has supported 252 children in its first year alone and more than 400 displaced students overall. Some children have even returned to their villages strengthened by renewed inner healing and resilience. Others continue their education peacefully and with ambition.

A displaced person takes notes during the trauma care session (left) and displaced children pictured gardening together (right)

Recognising the economic vulnerability of displaced families, we also introduced urban gardening and carpentry training. Since most parents previously depended on agriculture, these initiatives help them build small income-generating activities and regain autonomy.

A healed child can dream again, and a child who dreams can help rebuild a nation.

A section of the garden used for trauma care therapy (left) and two happy students with the stools they made! (right)

Healing invisible wounds: Noufou’s Journey Back to Peace

Noufou arrived at our school, eight years old, having escaped his hometown after he heard armed attacks. Like it was yesterday, he remembers the sound of gunfire.

Even after finding safety in Bobo-Dioulasso, sudden sounds still made him jump. He struggled to focus because his thoughts constantly returned to what he had experienced. Noufou was a deeply traumatised child.

Through the school’s Trauma Counselling Programme, a psychologist began holding regular sessions and, for the first time, Noufou was encouraged to speak about his fears. As part of the programme, Noufou was also taught gardening.

Together with his mother, he planted banana trees and sweet potatoes at home. Noufou is now proud to assist his family, and proud to have regained inner peace.

Online Event: Pink October in Burkina Faso

Written by Tabita Kone, Project Coordinator, IN Burkina Faso

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