Boulsa, Namentenga – The capital of Namentenga province, Boulsa, marked the first edition of Schoolchildren’s Day on Saturday, May 11, 2024, celebrating the resilience of the educational community. The event, sponsored by the High Commissioner of the province, Adama Conseiga, centered on the theme ‘Sport and culture, factors of social and academic integration of the internally displaced student.’
According to Burkina Information Agency, the day was a significant acknowledgment of the dedication shown by educational stakeholders and the ongoing support from various partners despite the challenging security situation in the region. The ceremony featured a mix of cultural and sporting events, including a marathon and various cultural performances that showcased the talents of the local students in theater, dance, poems, and storytelling.
The festivities took place at the courtyard of the Provincial Directorate of Preschool, Primary and Non-Formal Education (DPPNEF), which was prepared and decorated for the occasion. Participants, including students and teachers, donned Faso Dan Fani traditional clothing, adding a cultural touch to the celebrations.
Notable figures such as the prefect and president of the special delegation of the commune of Boulsa, Issiaka Sangla, DPPNEF representative Ouiraogo Bernard Kaboré, and the event’s sponsor representative, Sawadogo Ramata, praised the initiative. They highlighted the importance of integrating sports and culture into education, particularly for students who are internally displaced, to help them connect with their community and enhance their learning experience.
High Commissioner Conseiga concluded the event by expressing gratitude to everyone involved in the successful organization of the day and reassured the community of the ongoing commitment to overcoming adversities through educational resilience. He also paid tribute to the security forces working to stabilize the region.
Plans are already in place for the second edition of Schoolchildren’s Day, scheduled for 2025 in Boulsa.