Ouagadougou: Student Salimata Karambiri defended her professional Master’s thesis at the Pan-African Institute for the Study and Research on Media, Information and Communication (IPERMIC) of Joseph Ki-Zerbo University. Her research focused on the contribution of the Ouagadougou Vocational Education and Training Center (CEFP/O) in preventing runaways and facilitating the socio-professional integration of children removed from the streets of Burkina Faso. This academic effort aims to enhance strategies for child protection and sustainable reintegration in the country.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Ms. Karambiri’s dissertation titled “The operation to remove children from the street: the communication of the CEFP/O in the prevention of runaways and the socio-professional integration of children” is part of a broader initiative led by the Ministry of Social Action. This operation targets the removal of vulnerable children from street life, exposing them to various risks such as violence and exploitation, and directs them towards designated reception facilities, including the CEFP/O.
Ms. Karambiri explained that the CEFP/O offers emergency care services that encompass reception, psychosocial support, vocational training, and guidance toward employment. Her thesis sought to analyze how institutional communication has been effectively utilized to bolster the reintegration process of these children.
She emphasized the strategic role of communication in raising awareness among children and their families, crucial in preventing runaways and ensuring participation in training programs. The study highlights that customized messaging through diverse channels and stakeholders has been vital in building trust and support for the initiative.
The findings of Ms. Karambiri’s research underscore the significance of continuous and targeted communication that considers the personal experiences and aspirations of the children involved. Her work provides insights that could enhance social and professional reintegration strategies, thereby strengthening the impact of public child protection policies in Burkina Faso.
In acknowledgment of the quality and depth of the research, the presentation concluded with the jury awarding Ms. Karambiri’s work a commendable grade, reflecting its potential contribution to improving child welfare strategies.