The Yirwal Women’s Association, a village in the West African country of Burkina Faso, wrote to give the university some very positive feedback after an EU donation enabled the community there to construct two flour mills.

They report that they have created a trust to generate revenue from the mills, which are also used by inhabitants of nearby villages. This is bringing revenue to the Association, helping them to advance agricultural projects and pay for the maintenance of the mills.

Chicken is a staple of the Burkina Faso diet and as they are fed with corn extracts, it is a profitable business. Money raised has been invested in solar powered electricity to the village school. This means that the building can be used at night, and an Association representative will approach the local Minister of Education to see if a project to enhance adult literacy in Yirwal can be approved.

Previous articles can be found in the February 2010 EU E-Newsletter and EU Today 15/Summer 2010, available in both print and online versions.