Abstract
This study examined the educational needs of children in Thyou, Burkina Faso. The study findings from both quantitative and qualitative data reveal the need to remove barriers associated with poverty such as low income and malnutrition, which impede educational opportunities for rural children. In addition, rural life in Burkina Faso includes low-output and high-labor agriculture. The Feeding Nations Through Education (FNTE) agricultural assistance program aims to relieve famine and raise literacy among rural populations in Thyou. FNTE beneficiaries reported to improvements in their lives including higher increased income, better health and less hunger, changed perceptions of education, one or more school-attending children, and plans to educate all their school-aged children. Findings from this study seek to increase the awareness of addressing both short and long-terms needs of rural families including agricultural support and educational improvements for children in rural communities such as Thyou.