Ganzourgou: The provincial directorate of preschool, primary and non-formal education in Ganzourgou officially kicked off the activities of the African Languages Week (SLA) alongside the International Mother Language Day (JILM) in a ceremony held at Zorgho Nord Primary School. The event was presided over by the High Commissioner of Ganzourgou Province, Aminata Sorgho/Gouba, and attended by educational authorities, Defense and Security Forces, pedagogical supervisors, teachers, students, and parents.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony began with a solemn raising of the national flag, followed by the recitation of proverbs in Moore, which connected to the themes of the 2026 edition. The edition is commemorated under the theme: 'Sustainable Water, Shared Voices: African Languages as a Safe Water and Sanitation Channel for the Africa We Want,' and the sub-theme: 'The Role of African Proverbs, Oral Traditions, and Cultural Narratives in Promoting Water Conservation and Sanitation Responsibility.'

During the ceremony, the High Commissioner delivered a message from the Minister of Basic Education, Literacy, and the Promotion of National Languages. The message highlighted the commitment to promoting African languages as vehicles of knowledge, values, and identity, contributing to sustainable development. The minister emphasized the role of these languages in education, social cohesion, and national unity while noting that linguistic sovereignty is a pillar of national sovereignty. Stakeholders were urged to enhance the use of technology in education and invest in its documentation and dissemination. The message also honored the Defense and Security Forces and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland.

Mr. Papa Roger Nana, the headmaster of Zorgho Nord Primary School, expressed his gratitude for the selection of his school for the event. He noted that the school, which opened in 1975, now hosts 656 students across 7 classes with 13 teachers. Due to overcrowding, he advocated for the construction of a second school.

In response, Nobila Celestine Zagre/Zoungrana, the provincial director of preschool, primary and non-formal education in Ganzourgou, announced plans to establish a non-formal basic education center, an early childhood development and preschool education center, and a new multi-level school on the site, as part of the presidential initiative for quality education.

The day's activities include cultural events such as stories, proverbs, songs, and games in national languages, all aligned with the edition's theme.