“One evening, on our way home from school, some armed men stopped us. They told us to tear up our notebooks. Then they burned our backpacks and the school as well. I wanted to keep learning, but I had nothing left,” shares Coulibaly Félicien, a fifth grader whose resilience reflects the spirit of the Diocese of Nouna in Burkina Faso.
Under Bishop Joseph Sama’s guidance, this diocese has become a sanctuary for children amidst the insecurity and displacement plaguing the country: of the two million internally displaced, at least 60 percent are children. Many are traumatized, but mental health services are limited, and children are often overlooked for treatment. A U.N. survey published in 2023 showed 103 mental health professionals in the country of more than 20 million people, including 11 psychiatrists.
Mass killings of villagers have become common in northern Burkina Faso as fighters linked to the Islamic State group (ISIS) and al-Qaida attack the army and volunteer forces. Those forces can then turn on villages accused of cooperating with the enemy. More than 20,000 people have been killed, including thousands of children, since the fighting began a decade ago.
Thanks to the annual support from the general fund of The Pontifical Mission Societies, the Diocese of Nouna has been at the forefront of addressing the needs of the young population. Bishop Joseph explains that the Missionary Childhood Association, one of four societies, has several programs aimed at helping kids like Coulibaly: “Brave Hearts and Valiant Souls, along with the children’s choir, serve as vital means of transmitting moral, human, and spiritual values to Burkinabé society. These initiatives are crucial in a context where the full development of children is under threat due to the lack of security.”
From March to July 2023, there was a significant movement of people from rural to urban areas of Burkina Faso, leading to overcrowded schools and children unable to access education. Bishop Joseph notes, “We are grappling with incivility and organized crime. Therefore, our pastoral approach must emphasize non-violence, culture, and social cohesion. We must convey a message of peace and tolerance to the youngest among us, as they are a cornerstone of social unity.”
In response to the security challenges, the diocese has embraced the pastoral theme: “Remain faithful to your faith in Jesus Christ and be a builder of peace.” This theme is particularly important as the community has witnessed horrifying scenes, prompting many to seek refuge. “Providing children with a strong foundation in faith will help them navigate these challenging times in their spiritual journey,” Bishop Sama explains. To this end, the diocese has launched a Biblical Education Program to help children better understand Jesus Christ through the Sacred Scriptures.
One of the significant events organized by the diocese is the Fraternization Day for children from internally displaced groups. And looking beyond World Mission Sunday, Bishop Joseph is already working- and praying- hard for a Christmas miracle: One child, one full meal for Christmas, which aims to provide a moment of joy and foster a sense of community among displaced children as the community gathers to commemorate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
“The Diocese of Nouna has a predominantly young population, and concerns about insecurity have heightened uncertainties regarding their future,” he says. The campaign also encourages efforts in building daycare centers and organizing group activities for the children.
The aid received from The Pontifical Mission Societies has been a lifeline for many children. Bishop Joseph recounts, “Thanks to the aid received, we could provide school kits to 460 children. The actions of unidentified armed individuals have had a profound impact on the students. Some were repeatedly threatened on their way to school, while others witnessed their school supplies destroyed or set on fire.” This assistance has been a huge relief for children, parents, and teachers alike.
A family poses for a photo at their home in Kaya, Burkina Faso, March 15, 2020. Most people in the Sahel region in Africa are poor and lack formal education and skills. (CNS photo/Julien Ermine, Reuters)
The children’s testimonies bring to life the impact of these initiatives. Coulibaly shares that the school in his village is a mile away, and he walks every day with some of his classmates. However, one day, as they were coming back, armed men stopped them and tried to destroy his hopes for an education. Yet, thanks to the support from the Missionary Childhood Association, he said, “I could continue my education. My parents were overjoyed. I have learned that we should think of those in difficult situations. May God bless all the benefactors and bring peace back to the world.”
The Diocese of Nouna has also utilized media effectively to reach out to the community. Bishop Joseph explains: “The subsidy we received allowed us to create a commercial that aired throughout the year, featuring children and encouraging cautious openness towards others. Additionally, we produced programs in four different languages: French, Dioula, Bwamu, and Mooré. Through these broadcasts, the participating children could understand the mission of the diocesan radio, which is to be ‘the voice of the voiceless.’”
In a region plagued by insecurity and uncertainty, the Diocese of Nouna, led by Bishop Joseph Sama, continues to be a pillar of hope and faith. The initiatives and support provided to the children through education, community-building activities, and media outreach are making a significant difference in their lives. The voices of the children, filled with gratitude and hope, are a testament to the transformative power of compassion and faith. Bishop Sama concludes, “We pray to God to bless our efforts so that we can continue to form good future servants of the Church for the life and mission of the Church in Burkina Faso and beyond.”
