BANFORA – The Youth Association for Cultural Renewal of the Cascades (AJRCC) held a press conference on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, in Banfora, to unveil its slate of activities planned for the year. The association, dedicated to fostering cultural and social engagement among the youth, outlined a diverse program ranging from cultural festivals to social initiatives.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Coordinator of AJRCC, the press conference served to announce the key events the association intends to host in 2024. A highlight of the AJRCC’s annual calendar is the School Festival of Music and Dance (FSCOMD), a cultural festival that engages various educational institutions from preschool to secondary levels in performances of music and dance. The 2024 edition of FSCOMD is set to kick off on March 2 in Banfora, with the grand finale scheduled for March 23.
Coulibaly noted, however, that due to financial constraints, the association would not be able to provide financial support to candidates this year. Despite this challenge, the festival will feature competitions in playback and wearable art for preschool and primary school students, with the addition of Slam poetry for the adolescent category.
Beyond the cultural festival, AJRCC is planning a significant event on May 15, following the third term evaluations. In collaboration with local schools, a large fair will be organized, inviting participation from traders and traditional practitioners. This fair aims to foster community engagement and celebrate local culture and commerce.
Additionally, the AJRCC has initiated a WhatsApp group named ‘Cascades Info Group (GCI)’ to promote its activities and focus on social aspects within the community. One of the group’s first major activities is a blood donation week, scheduled from February 5 to 12, 2024. Coulibaly emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the goal is to ensure a sufficient blood supply for the country, benefiting not only patients in need but also assisting wounded members of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) at the front.
The Youth Association for Cultural Renewal of the Cascades is making strides in enhancing cultural appreciation and addressing critical social needs within the community, showcasing a robust agenda for 2024.