School life
In a Burkina Faso classroom
Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.
All country briefings
Africa · Country briefing
Burkina Faso
A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.
- CapitalOuagadougou
- Population~24 million
- Time zoneAfrica/Abidjan (UTC +0)
- CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Burkina Faso, with Ouagadougou marked
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Climate in November: Dry season in many regions; warm.
The capital
Ouagadougou
Photo · Wikimedia Commons
Fun facts
What makes Burkina Faso a bit special.
Dômes de Fabedougou
Giant smooth rock domes rising from the savanna
Open lesson
Sindou Peaks
Tall rocky spires that look like a city made of stone
Open lesson
Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso
A beautiful building made entirely from mud and wood
Open lesson
Karfiguéla Waterfalls
A ribbon of cool water tumbling through the savanna
Open lesson
Ouagadougou
The lively capital city at the heart of Burkina Faso
Open lesson
Niansogoni Cliff Dwellings
Ancient homes built into the face of a rocky cliff
Open lesson
Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.
Native animals
Wildlife your partner class might know best.
- 🐘
African Elephant
The largest land animal on Earth
Open lesson
- 🦛
Hippopotamus
A huge semi-aquatic animal that loves rivers and lakes
Open lesson
- 🦌
Antelopes of Arli Reserve
Graceful speedsters of the West African savanna
Open lesson
- 🦅
African Fish Eagle
A powerful river bird with one of Africa's most famous calls
Open lesson
- 🐦
Vulturine Guineafowl
One of Africa's most spectacular ground birds
Open lesson
Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.
Greetings to learn
Say hello like a local
- Hello!French
Five questions to ask
Conversation starters
- 01What does your school day look like?
- 02What do you eat at lunch?
- 03What games do you play at break?
- 04What's the weather like today?
- 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?
What not to assume
Friendly cautions
- ℹBurkina Faso has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
- ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Culture
Food, music, sport, festivals.
Food
Music
Festivals
Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.
Reflection prompts
- “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
- “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”
Could your class meet Burkina Faso?
Choose Burkina Fasowhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.