Burkina Faso: Back-to-School in Faso Danfani Uniform, a National Pride
On October 2, 2023, students returned to their classrooms in the «Cité du cavalier rouge», located in the Central-West region, 100 km from Ouagadougou, just like in other schools across the country. Students, along with political, administrative, and traditional authorities, all gathered to perform the «Ditanyè», the «Hymn of Victory», and the anthem of the «Land of the Upright People», with exemplary discipline. For the 2023-2024 School Year, the notable attraction has been the introduction of the Faso Dan fani (FDF) as the school uniform.
This decision is part of several key measures initiated by the transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
The introduction of this school uniform aims to strengthen the sense of patriotism among students, promote Burkina Faso’s cultural identity, and encourage the consumption of locally produced goods.
However, it’s worth noting that «No student should be expelled from an educational institution for not wearing an FDF uniform», emphasized Minister Joseph André Ouédraogo, responsible for national education.
Other notable changes for this year include the revision of textbooks and curricula to provide civic education to students and the implementation of a practical vocational education system.
This year, the reopening of schools took place in the «Cité du cavalier rouge», in the Central-West region, 100 km from Ouagadougou, precisely in the hometown of Burkina Faso’s independence leader.
The transitional authorities expect this school to contribute to the formation of responsible, honest, proud, and productive citizens.
The chosen theme for this school year aligns well with the Burkinabe authorities’ vision: «The Contribution of the Educational Community to the Culture of Peace, Citizenship, and Social Cohesion».
According to the Ministry of Education, out of the 81 educational institutions in Koudougou, one of the pilot cities for implementing the Faso Danfani uniform, 60 institutions have already selected their uniforms.
For parents, the adoption of Faso Danfani attire is seen as a positive step, reminiscent of the era of the revolution when Captain Thomas Sankara encouraged the valorization and consumption of locally produced goods, often saying, «Let’s consume what we produce».
According to the Education Minister, as of May 31, 2023, out of a cumulative total of 6,149 educational structures that were closed, 539 have been reopened to date.
This reopening has allowed 521,643 students to return to school, with 277,521 being placed in receiving institutions.
This measure has facilitated the rapid integration of children who were once internally displaced into the educational system.
The use of Faso Danfani attire is currently in its experimental phase, with plansa for expansion in the 2026-2027 school year.
