BURKINA FASO'S CHILDREN WILL BE TAUGHT TO CALL EUROPEAN COLONIZERS "INVADERS," NOT "EXPLORERS"
Burkina Faso is moving to change how colonial history is taught in its schools, with revised lessons expected to describe European colonial actors as “invaders” rather than “explorers” or “conquerors.” The government says the curriculum review is intended to place African resistance, local history, national identity and Burkina Faso’s own historical experience at the center of classroom teaching. Secondary Education Minister Moumouni Zoungrana announced the review of history, geography and civic education materials as part of wider reforms aimed at making the education system more reflective of the country’s social, cultural and historical realities. The changes are expected to be introduced progressively as new teaching materials and curricula are developed.