BOULSA, NAMENTENGA — On Saturday, July 27, 2024, the Namentenga provincial directorate of preschool, primary, and non-formal education (DPEPPNF) held a ceremony to honor academic excellence, rewarding around fifty of its top performers in education. The event, under the theme 'Education, resilience and commitment of stakeholders,' was presided over by the High Commissioner, Adama Conseiga, and sponsored by Theodore Kafando.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony highlighted the achievements of students and teachers who excelled in the 2024 academic year. Support from the state and educational partners, including significant contributions from the Cathwel Relief Service (CRS) project, enabled the rewarding of these individuals. Students Abdoul Halim Ayatoullah Kafando and Dabilgou Honorine, from Boulsa 2 and Boulsa 1 schools respectively, achieved top scores in the Primary Education Certificate exam and were awarded school kits and bicycles for their outstanding performances.

Teachers Marie Cécile Koné and Ms. Dermé/Ouédraogo Zonabo were recognized as the best in the province. Koné’s students had a pass rate of nearly 98%, while Zonabo achieved a 100% success rate. Both received a monetary award, a 'pot' stove, and gadgets from a credit union. Additionally, the best literacy centers were awarded bicycles, enhancing the resources available for ongoing educational activities.

The CRS also awarded prizes to the top Bisongo centers and first-year teachers for their exemplary performance in teaching reading and writing, providing them with bicycles or tablets. Furthermore, CRS announced plans to equip four schools with solar equipment to improve their educational infrastructure.

The ceremony’s president, Ouiraogo Bernard Kaboré, praised the efforts of the DPEPNF staff, educational supervisors, teachers, and partners for achieving remarkable results despite challenging circumstances. He also expressed gratitude towards the sponsor for his support and congratulated the winners for their academic success.

High Commissioner Adama Conseiga expressed optimism for continued academic excellence in the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Notably, Namentenga province was ranked first in the North-Central region with an 88.83% pass rate in the CEP for the 2024 session, a statistic celebrated by all educational partners.