Strengthening Child Protection and Youth Engagement in Border Regions (Burkina Faso)

UNICEF is inviting project proposals to strengthen basic social services and child protection systems in the border regions of Burkina Faso.

With an indicative budget of 300,000, the initiative focuses on access to essential services, protection of children and adolescents, gender equality, youth participation, social cohesion, and livelihood opportunities in fragile border contexts.

Programme Overview

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking applications for projects aimed at improving basic social services, child protection, youth engagement, and social cohesion in the border regions of Burkina Faso.

This initiative targets vulnerable and conflict-affected border communities, with a strong emphasis on empowering children, adolescents, and young people to become active agents of positive social change while strengthening local protection and service delivery systems.

Overall Objective

The programme aims to strengthen basic social services and child protection systems in fragile border areas by combining protection, participation, gender equality, and livelihood-focused interventions.

It builds on community structures and platforms established in earlier phases, ensuring sustainability through technical support, capacity strengthening, and close monitoring.

Key Focus Areas and Interventions

Strengthening Basic Social Services

Projects should contribute to improved access to essential services, particularly:

• Access to safe and drinking water

• Civil documentation for children

• Holistic social and protection services in border communities

Child Protection and Violence Prevention

UNICEF prioritises interventions that:

• Prevent and respond to violence, abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of children

• Combat harmful practices affecting children

• Provide holistic child protection services for children at risk

• Strengthen referral pathways and community-based protection mechanisms

Youth and Adolescent Engagement

The programme places strong importance on youth leadership and participation by:

• Engaging girls and boys as agents of positive change

• Promoting adolescent and youth participation in decision-making bodies

• Strengthening youth-led community platforms

• Encouraging civic engagement and social responsibility

Gender Equality and Social Norm Change

Gender considerations are mainstreamed across all activities, with specific focus on:

• Transforming harmful gender norms

• Promoting equitable participation of girls and boys

• Addressing gender-based discrimination and inequality

• Supporting gender-responsive child protection approaches

Social Cohesion and Cross-Border Action

Projects may include activities that:

• Support cross-border social cohesion initiatives

• Strengthen peaceful coexistence in border communities

• Promote dialogue and cooperation across borders

• Reinforce community resilience in fragile contexts

Livelihoods and Employment for Young People

Recognising the link between protection and economic stability, UNICEF supports initiatives that:

• Improve young people’s access to livelihoods and employment

• Link protection outcomes with economic empowerment

• Build resilience among adolescents and youth in border regions

Indicative Budget

• Total indicative budget: 300,000

• Funding is intended to support targeted, high-impact interventions

• Budget allocation should reflect priorities in child protection, youth engagement, and social cohesion

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility criteria are defined by UNICEF’s partnership guidelines and typically include organisations with demonstrated experience in:

• Child protection and social services

• Youth and adolescent programming

• Gender equality and social norm change

• Community-based and cross-border interventions

• Operating in fragile or conflict-affected contexts

Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement programmes in border regions of Burkina Faso and work closely with community structures and local authorities.

How the Programme Works

Implementation Approach

1. Projects are implemented in border regions identified by UNICEF.

2. Community structures and platforms established in earlier phases are strengthened or consolidated.

3. Adolescents and young people are actively engaged in programme design and delivery.

4. Gender-responsive approaches are integrated across all interventions.

5. UNICEF provides technical support, oversight, and monitoring throughout implementation.

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative is critical because it:

• Addresses urgent child protection risks in fragile border areas

• Strengthens access to basic social services for vulnerable populations

• Empowers adolescents and young people as drivers of social cohesion

• Tackles harmful social and gender norms

• Links protection, participation, and livelihoods to long-term resilience

• Contributes to stability and peace in border communities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Focusing on single-sector interventions without integration

• Weak youth or adolescent participation mechanisms

• Treating gender as a standalone activity rather than a cross-cutting priority

• Proposing short-term actions without sustainability planning

• Limited linkage between protection, participation, and livelihoods

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Clearly demonstrate experience in child protection and youth programming

• Show how adolescents and young people will meaningfully participate

• Integrate gender-transformative approaches across activities

• Align interventions with social cohesion and resilience objectives

• Explain how community structures will be strengthened and sustained

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main goal of this UNICEF call?

The main goal is to strengthen basic social services, child protection systems, and youth engagement in Burkina Faso’s border regions.

What is the total available budget?

The indicative budget for this initiative is 300,000.

Which thematic areas are prioritised?

Child protection, access to basic services, youth participation, gender equality, social cohesion, and livelihoods for young people.

Are adolescents and youth central to the programme?

Yes. Empowering adolescents and young people as active participants and change agents is a core priority.

Does the programme address gender issues?

Yes. Gender considerations are integrated across all interventions, with targeted efforts to transform harmful norms and promote equity.

Is cross-border cooperation supported?

Yes. Projects that support cross-border social cohesion and cooperation are encouraged where relevant.

Does the programme link protection with livelihoods?

Yes. Improving access to employment and livelihoods for young people is recognised as essential for resilience and stability.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s call for proposals in Burkina Faso represents a strategic investment in children, adolescents, and youth living in fragile border regions.

By strengthening basic social services, promoting protection and participation, addressing gender inequalities, and supporting livelihoods, the programme aims to build resilient communities and enable young people to play a central role in shaping peaceful and inclusive futures.