Bridging the knowledge divide through international collaborations: Stories from Burkina Faso
Written by Maha Rhannam
Photo sourced from Pexels.com
The pivotal role of science in achieving the sustainable development goals is clear and at a time when access to scientific information is critical, partnerships like Research4Life are bridging the gap and facilitating local research in low and middle-income countries. Through initiatives that enhance digital and information literacy, these partnerships are playing a crucial role in creating equitable access to scientific knowledge. The stories of Pascal Soubeiga and Kambou Kadio Kabou, two dedicated Research4Life user representatives from Burkina Faso, highlight the profound impact Research4Life has on research and education in their country.
Spotlight on Pascal Soubeiga: Championing digital literacy
Pascal Soubeiga, an information research consultant, has been instrumental in enhancing digital and information literacy in Burkina Faso. He has provided over 300 training courses on Research4Life, and has been at the forefront of integrating digital information literacy into universities and schools’ curricula. Through Research4Life, Pascal has trained more than 2,000 individuals, empowering students, researchers, doctors, and teachers with access to high-quality research and scientific information. Reflecting on the value of Research4Life he says,
“22 million Burkinabe benefit from the aftermath of this access to information through high quality of content, teaching excellence, and research.”
Kambou Kadio Kabou: A catalyst for change
Similarly, Kambou
Kadio Kabou’s journey with Research4Life has been transformative. She first encountered Research4Life in 2008 during a workshop and was eager to share her new knowledge with her colleagues at the Centre régional pour l’eau potable et l’assainissement (CREPA), leading to a series of training sessions through collaborations with ITOCA, a Research4Life training partner. She states
“It was exhilarating. I was able to train thousands of people in Burkina Faso and around the world.”
Building stronger scientific community
Despite challenges such as a significant need for updated, factual information in French for nurses and other healthcare officers, and a high number of inactive users as shown in our User Drop Off Study, the impact of Pascal and Kabou’s efforts underscores the importance of partnerships and collaborations, such as Research4Life, in enhancing digital literacy and empowering researchers to leverage scientific resources for local benefit. The dedication and achievements of Pascal Soubeiga and Kambou Kadio Kabou illuminate the path forward for other researchers and educators in Burkina Faso and similar regions. Their stories are not just about individual triumphs but about the collective effort being made and the progress that is possible through committed partnerships. By working together with Research4Life, they have set a precedent for building a more equitable and inclusive scientific community in Burkina Faso.
Discover Research4Life
Research4Life provides institutions in lower income countries with online access to academic and professional peer-reviewed content. Find out how to get access. Already a user? Discover our Training page, and find free resources to make the best use of Research4Life and improve your research skills.
