On Thursday, October 3, 2013, the U. S. Embassy welcomed Burkinabe Fulbright alumnus, Dramane Gnessi, who shared his experience of studying in the USA on the Fulbright program with an audience of 35 students. Mr. Gnessi earned his Master’s degree in teaching English as a foreign language. His experience as a student in the USA allowed him to see firsthand the strong connection between the American entrepreneurial spirit and how that spirit impacts directly on how Americans approach education. The U. S. training helped Mr. Gnessi develop his own sense of entrepreneurship, which he is now putting into practice. He is currently teaching at a private school in Ouagadougou and running a private business in video editing. Mr. Gnessi explained to the audience how the education system in the U. S. develops and eventually requires an entrepreneurial spirit in students. This, in turn, has a huge impact on the development of the country. This alumni program activity highlights Burkina – American collaboration through the Fulbright Program and the result of that partnership that contributes to improve education and encourage an entrepreneurial spirit in Burkina Faso.
