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Operation Jacob: water and education, Burkina Faso

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Release International and Big Give

Operation Jacob: water and education, Burkina Faso

Campaign Overview

Conflict in Burkina Faso has created the world’s most neglected displacement crisis. Those forced to flee have been deprived of basic infrastructure and education. Operation Jacob will fund school fees for over 580 children and install wells to provide clean water for up to 1000 families.

Situation

With over 2 million people displaced by continuous terrorist attacks since 2019, Burkina Faso is one of the world’s poorest countries (185/193 on the UN Human Development Index.) It lacks resources to care for its displaced people who gather in camps on the edge of cities, often without a clean water supply or means to pay for their children’s education. Without these provisions, communities are vulnerable to instability and disease, and children have little hope for a better future.

Solution

Working in partnership with local churches, Operation Jacob provides school fees and supplies to over 580 children displaced by the violence. Continuing education gives them a measure of stability and a platform for the future. The project also installs both hand and solar powered wells to ensure displaced communities have access to clean drinking water. This basic provision enhances security and prevents disease. The project enables thousands of vulnerable people to find care and hope.


“‘I am displaced, and now I live in a safe place. I’m going to secondary school and have received school fees and kit. I thank you for showing us God’s love in a practical way. I will graduate from secondary school this year. You know, it is not easy, but with your help, I can do this.’”
Secondary school pupil

“‘Due to the attacks, we had to look for a safe place and arrived here. It is so hard. But thanks to the help we have received today, we are full of joy! Our children got the school bags, the notebooks, and funds to pay the school fees. We thank God, but we also want to thank each of you.’”
Parent of school pupil

“‘We had to run away from our homes and find a place here. But there are too many people and no water. Our suffering continued. But then, God, who saw us, answered our prayers. I thank God for you, the people who helped us. I thank God for the gift of water from you. May God give you a long life.’”
Displaced woman

 

Campaign Aims
  • Ensure that over 580 displaced children remain in education with fees paid, school materials and school lunches provided, in order to significantly reduce the financial pressures on displaced families.
  • Improve health and hygiene in growing displaced communities by providing access to clean water through hand-pumped or solar powered wells. Currently 5 wells are planned which will provide clean water for around 1,000 families.
  • Restore hope to displaced families who are traumatised, deprived and largely forgotten. Operation Jacob works with local churches to visit, encourage and pray for them as well as mobilising support to meet their practical needs.

 

Where’s the money going?

£26,750 – School fees, materials & lunches for 584 primary and secondary school children for one academic year
£750 – Associated education transportation and communications costs
£27,120 – Digging and installation of 4 hand powered wells
£8,900 – Digging and installation of 1 solar powered well
£15,880 – International monitoring and core costs

Understanding the Target
If we do not meet our campaign target we will still use donations given to fund the project work outlined in this proposal. Less funding will mean that fewer school places can be covered and fewer wells installed. Similarly, if we exceed our funding target, further donations will be used to fund the same project work over a longer period of time. In the unlikely event that the project becomes unviable for any reason, we would use donations to fund similar projects we support in other countries.

 

Impact and reporting

Impact
Through the funding of more than 580 school places and the installation of 5 much needed water wells Operation Jacob is helping vulnerable displaced people not only to survive, but to heal, restore dignity, and develop hope for their children’s future. This practical support creates security and stability; it shows traumatised beneficiaries that they are known, valued and loved; and, in the face of ongoing conflict, it builds a foundation for future community development and prosperity.

Reporting
Project workers are in frequent contact with those who receive support. They produce regular reports with budget breakdowns, audited accounts, receipts, school records, photos, and testimonies. Release International maintains contact by email and video call, and every year we send French-speaking staff to visit. They meet workers and beneficiaries in person, discuss progress, and assess needs. We share testimonies through our website and magazine. Detailed reports can be sent to champion donors.