Why We Walk: Mba Tig Yiri’s Story
In the heart of Burkina Faso's Centre-Ouest region lies a small village called Mba Tig Yiri. With a population of about 500, this community of farmers has faced numerous challenges, but none more pressing than providing education for their children. Their story embodies the very essence of why we’re walking and fundraising for our Steps for Students challenge.
A Hard Choice: Long Walks or Inadequate Classrooms
Before buildOn came to their community, the children of Mba Tig Yiri faced a stark choice: walk miles to the nearest village with a proper school or attempt to learn in makeshift classrooms that offered little protection from the elements. Rain, wind, and dust were constant disruptions, making it difficult for students to focus on their studies.
Rouamba Ablassé, a parent and education delegate in the village, recalls the struggle: "Our children experienced difficult conditions for their studies. They did their classes under hangars and were very exposed to the weather. We had several dropouts and poor results."
Partnering with buildOn
Fortunately, the community refused to give up on their children's future. When they heard about buildOn, they seized the opportunity to partner with us to collect materials and work tirelessly to make their dream of a proper school a reality.
Kiemde Fatimata, a mother with a child in first grade, shared her experience: "The sheer will of women to see their children leave their huts encouraged us to go all the way. These efforts led us to the days of delivery of the materials where we really understood that the sorrows of our children were going to end soon."
The Road to a New School
The journey wasn't easy. The community faced challenges, including competing demands on their time and resources. A nearby road construction project offered paid work, tempting many away from the school building efforts. Yet, the community persevered.
“The sheer will of women to see their children leave their huts encouraged us to go all the way.” —Kiemde Fatimata
A Dream Realized: Safe and Spacious Classrooms
Their determination paid off. Today, Mba Tig Yiri boasts a new school building with safe, dry, and spacious classrooms. The community contributed over 2,218 volunteer work days, with women working alongside men—a significant step towards gender equity in a region where women often face limited opportunities.
One of the students benefiting from this new school is 7-year-old Mariame. Now in second grade, her favorite subject is reading, and she dreams of joining the military when she grows up. With access to quality education, Mariame is much more likely to achieve her dreams and build a better life for her family.
This is why we walk. Every step we take in our Steps for Students challenge represents the miles that children like Mariame no longer have to walk to access education. Every dollar raised helps break down barriers to education, one community at a time.
Every Dollar Counts
Our $40,000 Steps for Students walkathon challenge directly supports communities like Mba Tig Yiri. By donating, you’ll help build more schools, transform more communities, and change more lives.
Will you join us? Every step counts. Every dollar makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that no child has to choose between a long, potentially dangerous walk and a subpar learning environment.
Donate now and take a step towards a brighter future for students worldwide. Your support can help write the next success story like Mba Tig Yiri's!