GOURCY — Saint Henri de Osso Private High School emerged victorious in the sixth edition of the Grands Débats Oratoires (GDO) du Nord, which concluded this Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Gourcy. The school faced off against Avé Maria Private High School from Yako and clinched the title with compelling arguments on the impact of artificial intelligence on African culture.

According to Burkina Information Agency, which initiated the event, the GDO du Nord aims to nurture future leaders by enhancing the oratorical skills of school-aged youth. This year's final debate centered on whether artificial intelligence poses a threat to African culture. The team from Saint Henri de Osso, participating for the first time, successfully argued that artificial intelligence does not threaten African cultural values, persuading the jury and securing the win.

The winning school received a trophy, one hundred thousand CFA francs, various gadgets, and also claimed the best speaker award, which went to Abdoul Nassirou Kiemdé. Kiemdé, alongside Charifatou Noungou from Lycée Avé Maria, was awarded a two-year scholarship valued at 400,000 francs at the IAM, sponsored by Ousséni Faïssal Nanéma, CEO of Group Nil.

Ali Nanéma, president of the organizing committee, expressed satisfaction with the debate's outcome and encouraged the winning team to continue their hard work in preparation for representing the Northern region at the national level. The event also featured a public conference on "Artificial intelligence and promotion of culture in Burkina; issues and perspectives for building a prosperous society" and a shopping street, adding to the day's activities.

The event, under the patronage of His Majesty Naaba Baongho de Gourcy, was attended by many representatives from the active forces of the Northern Region. Saint Henri de Osso Private High School takes over from Lycée Municipal Toussaint Louverture de Yako, the previous year's champions.