From Displacement to Hope: Sita’s Journey Forward

In 2022, Sita’s* life was suddenly uprooted. Growing insecurity forced her to leave her village of Bilanga in eastern Burkina Faso, separating her from familiar surroundings and the stability she once knew.

She found refuge with her grandmother in Gampela, who was already caring for two other children. Together, they did what they could to get by, but the reality was difficult. There were days when the family could only manage one meal. Still, Sita was able to begin attending the Gampela Centre, joining Grade 6 that same year.

For a time, there was hope that she would continue her education through the support of a relative who helped cover school fees. But when that person passed away, the situation quickly became uncertain again. Without that support, Sita’s chances of staying in school were at risk.

Through the Gampela Centre, Sita received a school fee subsidy that allowed her to remain in school, and a teacher stepped in to cover her participation in the food program ensuring she could have at least two meals a day, something her family could not consistently provide.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared:

“Because of terrorism, I left my family and everything behind me, but I received help and found a new family here at the Gampela Centre.”

*children’s names have been changed for their privacy