Ouagadougou: The Deputy Commander of the Volunteer Brigade for the Defense of the Fatherland (BVDP), Lieutenant-Colonel Mahamadi SAWADOGO, oversaw the completion ceremony of training for 450 Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) from the Faso Mêbo Presidential Initiative at the National Training Center of the VDP. These recruits are set to embark on infrastructure development projects as part of the initiative.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the 450 young volunteers underwent three weeks of initial military training. Commander Ousseni K. Zida, of the VDP National Training Center, detailed that the training involved combat tactics and techniques, in addition to education on civic duty and patriotism. The training aims to prepare the volunteers for their role in building infrastructure and fostering a sense of unity and purpose.
Commander Ahmed Zoodnoma SAKANDÉ, the Coordinator of the Faso Mêbo Presidential Initiative, emphasized the training’s goal of fostering cohesion and instilling
patriotic values. He highlighted the importance of the initiative in addressing infrastructure challenges and expressed confidence in the trainees’ readiness to undertake the projects. “At the end of this training, the writing of a history for our country will begin. And this history we have the honor and the challenge of writing together. We already have four projects, which we must immediately begin,” stated Commander SAKANDÉ.
Lieutenant-Colonel Mahamadi SAWADOGO noted that the training equips the volunteers with the necessary skills to ensure their safety and the security of the resources provided to them. The training initiative has been well-received by the participants, who recognize the importance of their new roles.
Trainee Adama TRAORÉ, a topography technician operator, expressed gratitude for the training, describing it as both educational and enlightening. He noted that it provided a new perspective on patriotism and civic duty, sentiments echoed by his fellow trainees.