From 0% to 100%: The Inspiring Journey of Harouna Traoré, the Teacher Who defied the Odds
it’s 7:30 a.m. in Orodara, a city in Burkina Faso. The morning chill bites as we mount a motorcycle,persistent to cover the 76 kilometers to our destination. The journey is grueling—dusty roads, uneven terrain, and nearly three hours of travel. But nothing could deter us from meeting Harouna Traoré,a school teacher whose story is nothing short of exceptional.
Harouna Traoré, a married father of six, has been teaching as 2006. His career has been a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. In 2017, he faced one of his toughest battles: a CM2 class in Mahon where every student failed the CPP (Certificat de Primaire) exam. The results were devastating—0% success. Yet, just a few years later, Harouna achieved the unimaginable: a 100% pass rate at Spopogohiri Public School in 2023.
The struggle in Mahon
When Harouna arrived in Mahon in 2014, he was tasked with teaching a CM2 class. From the very beginning, he knew something was wrong.”I said to my principal that we have a serious problem with this class,” he recalls. The students were struggling immensely. “Honestly, the children had a lot of difficulty,” he admits.
Harouna poured his heart into his work, staying with the children until 6 or 7 p.m. daily.”I made everything to get back on the way,” he says. Despite his efforts,the 2017 CPP results were a harsh blow. The class scored 0%, a stark reminder of the systemic challenges in education.
A Turnaround in Spopogohiri
After Mahon, Harouna moved to Spopogohiri Public School.Here,he found a renewed sense of purpose. With 54 students in his morning session, he implemented innovative teaching strategies, focusing on individual needs and fostering a supportive learning surroundings. His dedication paid off. In 2023, his class achieved a 100% pass rate in the CPP exam—a feat that made headlines and inspired educators across the region.
The Man Behind the Success
Harouna’s journey is a testament to resilience and passion.Married with six children,he has faced personal and professional challenges head-on. His teaching philosophy is simple yet profound: ”I made everything to get back on the way.”
Key Milestones in Harouna’s Career
| Year | Location | Achievement |
|———-|———————-|————————————-|
| 2014 | Mahon | faced 0% CPP pass rate |
| 2023 | Spopogohiri | Achieved 100% CPP pass rate |
| 2006 | Orodara | Began teaching career |
Harouna’s story is a beacon of hope in the education sector. It highlights the transformative power of dedication and innovative teaching methods. As he continues to inspire his students and peers, Harouna Traoré proves that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with perseverance and heart.
For more insights into innovative teaching strategies, explore this study on the evolution of pedagogical approaches.
Harouna’s journey reminds us that every child deserves a chance to succeed—and that one teacher’s determination can make all the difference.From 0% to 100%: Harouna Traoré’s Inspiring Journey in education
In a small town where community and education intertwine, Harouna Traoré’s story stands as a testament to resilience and dedication. Once faced with a daunting 0% outcome, Traoré has now achieved a remarkable 100% success rate in his teaching career, proving that perseverance truly pays off.
A Turning Point in Samogohiri
The journey began in 2018 when Harouna Traoré was assigned to Samogohiri, a town where he felt compelled to be close to his ailing father. “I wanted to go to my house in Samogohiri because my father was unwell, and I wanted to be next to him,” he explained. This move marked a pivotal moment in his career.
At the time, Traoré faced meaningful challenges. His initial results were disheartening, with a 0% success rate in his class. However, instead of giving up, he doubled down on his efforts. “I came to find a situation and tried to get back on the way, but I couldn’t. I did my best, this product is up to all,” he reflected.
The Road to Redemption
Traoré’s determination bore fruit in 2023 when his class achieved a 100% success rate at the CPP (Certificat de Participation Primaire). “I was happy with the outcome,” he shared. “Because I told myself that what I even had more energy. I didn’t relent, I had to continue to work so that people knew it’s an event that happened.”
His success was not just a personal victory but also a source of inspiration for his community. Traoré credits his hierarchy for their support, particularly the recognition he received from the Department of Pre-school, Primary, and Informal Education. “This identification certificate means everything to me,” he said.
A Legacy in the Making
Today, Harouna Traoré continues to teach in Samogohiri, holding the CP1 class. His goal is to maintain the 100% success rate through to the CM2 level. Beyond teaching, he dreams of retiring to a life of cattle breeding in Samogohiri, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.
As the international community prepares to celebrate the International Day of Education on January 24,2025,Traoré’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of perseverance. “Only work pays,” he emphasized. To fellow teachers, he offers this advice: “Undertake this role because it is a beautiful role.”
Key Highlights of Harouna Traoré’s Journey
| Year | Milestone | Outcome |
|———-|—————|————-|
| 2018 | assigned to Samogohiri | 0% success rate |
| 2023 | achieved 100% at CPP | Personal and professional triumph |
| 2025 | International Day of Education | Inspiration for educators worldwide |
Harouna Traoré’s story is a beacon of hope, proving that with determination and support, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. His journey reminds us that education is not just about results but about the lives it transforms along the way.
Reported by Abdoul-Karim Etienne Sannoon, back from Orodara.