Ouagadougou: The Provincial Directorate of Preschool, Primary and Non-Formal Education (DPEPPNF) of Ganzourgou organized, on Tuesday, July 1, in Zam, the Promotional Day of the Endogenous Canteen, 2025 edition. Placed under the theme: ‘School food based on local production: what mechanism for a self-sufficient endogenous canteen?’, the ceremony provided an opportunity to encourage the best schools involved in food collection and agricultural production through school fields.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the provincial director of education, Ms. Nobila C©lestine Zagr©/Zoungrana, noted that all nine basic education districts (CEB) in Ganzourgou are committed to the local canteen initiative. Of the province’s 483 schools, 390 have successfully collected food such as sorghum, corn, and beans, and more than 38,000 m² of school gardens have been established, producing over 43 tons of vegetables from all crops. She praised all the partners and volunteers, including the Zinado 2000 association, the Zam town hall, and the sponsor whose support helped overcome the challenges.
The objective of this initiative is twofold: to ensure a balanced meal for students and to strengthen food sovereignty through community mobilization and the promotion of local produce.
The ceremony, chaired by the High Commissioner of Ganzourgou Province, Ms. Aminata Sorgho/Gouba, and sponsored by Mr. Claude Congo, was held under the patronage of the Minister of Basic Education, Literacy and the Promotion of National Languages ??(MEBAPLN), represented by his technical advisor, Ms. Germaine Kabor©. The day was well attended. Administrative, customary, and military authorities, technical and financial partners, as well as a delegation from the central level took part.
“The school canteen is not just a simple meal. It is a gateway to health, success, and student retention,” the High Commissioner emphasized. She praised the commitment of Ganzourgou stakeholders to this initiative, which, for her, is in line with the presidential initiative “Provide every school-age child with at least one balanced meal per day.”
The chairwoman of the special delegation for the municipality of Zam, Ms. St©phanie Tenin Lonfo/Soma, expressed her pride in hosting this first off-site celebration. She saw it as recognition of the joint efforts between local authorities, educational communities, and school partners.
The ceremony also served as a platform for recognition. Some twenty prizes were awarded to the best schools and those most involved in implementing the local canteen. The rewards included supplies, school supplies, certificates of merit, and financial grants.
Highlights of the day included a presentation by the provincial director, enriching discussions, an official awards ceremony and a tasting of dishes prepared using produce from the school fields.
While waiting for the 2026 edition to be held in Mogt©do, the organizers hope that this dynamic will spread throughout the Central Plateau region.