by Kathrine Lassen

06 November 2007

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: I have always been attached to Africa in one way or the other. As a child I lived 4 years in Lesotho, South Africa where my parents worked for MS Danish Association for International Co-operation. Since then I have returned to the continent several times on visits, travels, internship, research and work. However, it’s my first time in West Africa, which has made me realize even more how divers the African continent can be.

After finishing my Master’s Degree in Development and International Relations at Aalborg University, Denmark, I was lucky to get posted as a UNV volunteer in Ouagadougou for a period of two years. I work as a gender specialist for an umbrella organisation Réseau de Communication, d’Information et de Formation des Femmes (RECIF) that deals with communication, training, education and research in relation to gender. RECIF is member based and at present, 53 NGOs are registered permanent members of our organisation. As such RECIF is in close contact with the community in various regions of the country.

To elaborate, RECIF’s training department, which consists of our very dynamic manager Françoise Bibiane Yoda and I, arranged a one-week HIV/AIDS training course for radio journalists from 12 different stations around the districts of Burkina. The course took place in Ouagadougou and for the purpose, consultant Mr. El Hadj Ibrahim Zougmore from the Ministry of Health took charge of the training. The course consisted of various blocks, among others HIV/AIDS awareness, counselling and techniques of communication.

Through out the course, I was positively surprised at the level of openness among the participants regarding the highly sensitive, and often taboo, HIV/AIDS issues. As an example and encouraged by Mr. Zougmore, precise and direct language was used to explain, discuss and demonstrate condom usage. Volunteers among the journalists used a female and male mannequin to elaborate and exemplify.

I could not help but compare this to my previous experience of working with HIV/AIDS in Botswana. I recall a radio program broadcasted once a week to sensitise the people. Two adult journalists were discussing matters concerning sexuality and prevention of AIDS. However, they were not able to do this without constantly bursting into laughter and giggles and it seemed that their use of language that lacked the directness that I encountered at the workshop in Ouagadougou. Rather, metaphoric examples and storytelling seemed to dominate the discourse in Botswana and left plenty of room for misunderstandings and creation of myths, vis-à-vis an already myth related subject. At the workshop in Ouagadougou, nothing was left untouched and as may be seen from the images, a detailed condom demonstration was part of the program. In that way, the 12 radio journalists were well-equipped to return to their districts and hopefully communicate the important lessons learned, reaching as many people as possible.

My first four months were difficult, months of getting settled have passed and I feel I have climbed a mountain and a half. Although, I have plenty of African experience, I must admit that arriving in Burkina Faso has been a challenge and a half. As a volunteer, you start from scratch by looking for a house, equipping it with everything from a fridge to beds and kitchenware. This is not an easy task without transport and I have now realized that everything, regardless of size, can be transported on the roof of a taxi. Moreover, there is the endless amount of practical paperwork to be dealt with, as is always the case when moving countries. Finally, there was a language barrier to consider, as my French is nowhere near my English capabilities. Nevertheless, that is a problem that almost solves itself, as one is forced to communicate in French from day 1. In addition, it is possible to hire a French teacher for an affordable amount of money.

On a positive note, all my efforts of getting settled has inspired my colleague Eric Laliberté to initiate a guide on practical and cultural information for newly arrived volunteers in Burkina Faso. Furthermore, our UNV Chargée du Programme was also kind enough to house me the first 2 months on her own private initiative. All in all, I have been lucky to create a large circle of friends, who I rely on in both private and practical matters. This has been most important, as former networks, friends and family are left behind.

On the cultural scene, Ouagadougou has plenty to offer. The past week, for example, has been dominated by a hip hop festival celebrating Bukinabe talents as well as hosting international hip hop stars and performers. At the same time, Cinema Neerwaya has hosted a week of Brazilian movies, while the theatre le Cito has played another round of the much inspiring musical Kuma Kura. Moreover, last week’s big event was the visit of the South African singer Meriam Makeba, who preformed for a crowd at the centre of Ouaga. Consequently, Burkina’s capital does not seize to amaze with its capability of attracting and hosting big time artists.

Nature wise, I have not been outside of Ouaga except for 2 minor trips to the outskirts of the city. Therefore, this territory is yet to be discovered and I have high hopes catching a glimpse of the animal life that the country has to offer as well. Whether this lives up to the Serengeti of Tanzania, the Kruger Park of South Africa or the desserts of Namibia, only time will tell. As for now, I am left to the devises of the harsh realities of city life in Ouagadougou.