Ouagadougou: This rainy Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) was transformed into an open-air classroom. 410 children from all over Burkina Faso walked the floor of the Parliament for a civic immersion. A special interlude organized as part of the Faso Mªbo Initiative and filled with emotion.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the event began with hundreds of children, dressed in the "Burkina Faso" fatigues of the national armed forces, marching through the gates of the Parliamentary Institution in sections of 50. Sougrinoma Ibrahim Guigma, the communications director of the Presidency of Faso and camp coordinator, led the children. Adopting a battalion commander's posture, he combined rigor with pedagogy, instructing the children to remove their hats, emphasizing discipline amidst their excitement.

The children were organized into eight sections, named after various regions of Burkina Faso, such as Bam, Oursi, and Loropeni. As they toured the parliament, they admired portraits of prominent figures like Yalgado Ouedraogo, Nazi Boni, and Roch Marc Christian Kabore, who have played significant roles in Burkina Faso's history. Honora Bationo, the director of public relations for the ALT, introduced these portraits, narrating the historical significance and sacrifices they represent.

At 11:57 a.m., the atmosphere became solemn as the children gathered in the great chamber of the hemicycle. Under strict discipline, they responded in unison with slogans representing their sections. The President of the ALT, Dr. Ousmane Bougouma, entered, accompanied by bodyguards, as the national anthem played. Dr. Bougouma addressed the children, urging them to respect their parents, teachers, and elders, and shared his personal journey of perseverance and humility.

The children listened attentively, some taking notes, others absorbing the words of wisdom. Dr. Bougouma shared anecdotes from his childhood, emphasizing the challenges he overcame and encouraging the children to persevere despite difficulties.

As the visit concluded, the children gathered for a family photo, their faces showing pride and inspiration from the day's events. They left the parliament with a sense of unity and a life lesson in citizenship, carrying the hopes of Faso's future on their shoulders, inspired to contribute to their nation's development.