Ganzourgou Hosts Promotional Day for Endogenous School Canteens
Zorgho, Ganzourgou – The Provincial Directorate of Preschool, Primary and Non-Formal Education (DPEPPNF) of Ganzourgou held its promotional day for the endogenous canteen on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Zorgho youth and culture center. The event, presided over by the High Commissioner of Ganzourgou, Aminata Sorgho/Gouba, featured Dr. Alice Sidibé/Anago, the permanent secretary of the Presidential Initiative ‘Ensuring each child of school age at least one balanced meal per day,’ as the sponsor.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the provincial controller of school canteens for the DPEPPNF of Ganzourgou, the day focused on assessing the contributions of local school fields and the collection of local food. It aimed to increase awareness among educational communities, encourage schools in their efforts of collection and production, and acknowledge the contributions of individuals committed to establishing school fields.
The endogenous canteen is a strategy designed to ensure students receive a healthy and balanced diet by utilizing locally sourced food items, promoting self-sufficiency at the school level. This initiative encourages greater community involvement and helps maintain school fields and gardens. For the 2023 campaign, over 300 schools participated, collectively contributing an estimated 94 million FCFA in community investments towards food collection and field maintenance.
The promotional day concluded with awards and recognitions for the most successful schools and individuals. Items such as plastic drums, buckets, baskets, kettles, and vouchers for improved seeds and gardening tools, provided by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), were awarded to the outstanding schools. Certificates of recognition were also presented to key individuals who played pivotal roles in the initiative.
An enlightening presentation by Souleymane Zinaba, the provincial controller of the Namentenga canteen in the Center-North region, detailed the history of school canteens, the implementation of the endogenous canteen model, challenges faced, and potential solutions. His talk highlighted the initiative’s benefits and strengthened community commitment to its ongoing development.
The event underscored the significant role of local community involvement in the success of the endogenous canteen, praised by both Aminata Sorgho/Gouba and Dr. Alice Sidibé/Anago. Dr. Sidibé/Anago emphasized that the endogenous canteen not only supports students’ nutrition but also enriches their learning environment, contributing to their academic success.
Nobila Célestine Zagré/Zoungrana, the provincial director of preschool, primary, and non-formal education in Ganzourgou, expressed satisfaction with the day’s events and gratitude towards all partners. She announced that future editions of the promotional day would rotate among different municipalities, with Zam hosting the 2025 event.