Koupela, Burkina Faso — The town of Koupela hosted the closing ceremony of the 2nd Burkinabè Heritage Month on Saturday, May 18, 2024, coinciding with the International Day of Museums. This year’s theme, “Museums for education and research,” highlighted the role of museums in fostering knowledge and cultural identity.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Minister in charge of Culture, the event was organized by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and featured a conference aimed at increasing public awareness of the significance of museums. The Minister encouraged the people of Burkina Faso to explore museums to better understand their own identities, histories, and values. He described museums as quintessential spaces for discovering unique objects that serve as testimonies to the nation’s past and present values, as well as centers for educational and research activities.
Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo also urged all Burkinabè to take up the mission of discovering their own uniqueness and origins by engaging with museums, stating that such engagement would be a profound source of satisfaction.
Sabari Christian Dao, the president of ICOM Burkina Faso, noted that International Museum Day is celebrated within the broader context of Burkinabè Heritage Month, which allows citizens to visit heritage sites and learn about their history and identity. He emphasized the importance of taking concrete actions for cultural development.
Alice Belemviré/Nikièma, the president of the special delegation from the commune of Koupela, expressed gratitude and pleasure for the selection of Koupela as the host city for this significant cultural event.