OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – In an effort to enhance safety and health awareness in educational settings, the African Initiative association, in collaboration with Russian cooperation, held a first aid workshop on Friday for the students, parents, and staff of the Sandogo B General Education College (CEG). The workshop aimed at equipping participants with essential emergency relief skills.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the workshop emphasized the importance of mastering basic health care techniques within the school environment. Azenwo Soumaïla Ayo, President of the African Initiative Association, highlighted the critical role that knowledge of emergency first aid plays in addressing potential injuries and ailments among students before professional medical treatment can be obtained. The training session, led by Doctor Dolbnya Dmitri, attracted over fifty attendees, including students, parents, and school administration members, underlining the collective commitment to fostering a safe educational atmosphere.
The workshop in Ouagadougou covered various practical skills, such as cardiac massage and the lateral safety position, alongside the appropriate use of first aid supplies and the importance of promptly contacting emergency services. Furthermore, the training addressed how to respond to specific emergencies like electrocution, drowning, snake bites, and burns, providing comprehensive preparedness for a range of potential incidents.
This initiative not only strengthens the community’s ability to respond to emergencies but also bolsters the relationship between the Burkinabè people and the Russian Federation, showcasing a collaborative approach to health education. Patrick Sourou, the Director of CEG Sandogo B, expressed the significance of such knowledge for those involved in education, acknowledging the critical learning outcomes of the workshop.
Feedback from the workshop participants was overwhelmingly positive, with Rufin Somé, President of the Parents’ Association, expressing gratitude towards the African Initiative for organizing the training. Somé also voiced the desire for the establishment of a medical-school center within the college, further indicating the community’s interest in advancing health and safety measures.
The distribution of first aid equipment to college officials marks another step towards ensuring that the Sandogo B General Education College is better prepared to handle health emergencies, reflecting the broader goals of the African Initiative’s educational and health-related endeavors in Ouagadougou.
ABIDJAN – Gadji Céli, the celebrated former captain of the Ivory Coast Elephants of 1992, made a notable appearance at the Treichville Palace of Culture in Abidjan on Saturday to present the trophy of the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN). The event, attended by several football legends and national team captains, took place in the Ivorian economic capital, highlighting a momentous occasion in African football.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Céli, alongside other African football luminaries, showcased the CAN trophy to journalists during a press conference that also served as a platform for reminiscing about the significant moments of his illustrious career. Céli reflected on his journey from playing in Ivory Coast’s first CAN in 1984, where the team was eliminated in the first round, to captaining the team to its first continental trophy victory in 1992.
Céli recounted the early challenges faced by the team, including being booed and stoned by their own fans, and how a speech by then-President Houphouët Boigny inspired them to aspire for future triumphs. He humorously noted the fortunate turn of events in the 1992 final against Ghana, where the suspension of Ghanaian star Abedi Pelé due to yellow cards played to Ivory Coast’s advantage. However, Céli graciously acknowledged that the presence of Pelé might not have altered the outcome, given their strategic preparations for the game.
The press conference was a gathering of about ten African football greats, including Hossam Hassan (current coach of Egypt), Neil Tovey (South Africa), Riadh Bouaziz (Tunisia), Nwankwo Kanu, Lucas Radebe (South Africa), Daniel Amoukachi, Benjamin Moukandjo (Cameroon), and Joseph Yobo (Nigeria). Notably, Roger Milla (Cameroon), who was also in Abidjan for the CAN, could not attend the conference due to unforeseen circumstances.
This event underscores the Confederation of African Football’s tradition of honoring the continent’s football legends by involving them in significant tournaments and ceremonies, such as the CAN and the CAF Awards held previously in Marrakech, Morocco. The inclusion of these stars in the festivities not only celebrates their contributions to the sport but also bridges the gap between past and present generations of African football.