GAOUA: The Governor of the South-West region, Boureima Savadogo, officially appointed Sié Palé as the new regional director of preschool, primary, and non-formal education on Friday. Palé succeeds Jean Joseph Somda, who led the directorate for over seven years, navigating significant challenges including regional mergers and the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Burkina Information Agency, the handover ceremony was conducted in Gaoua, during which Somda reflected on his tenure beginning in May 2017. He acknowledged the crises faced during his leadership, from administrative changes to a worsening security situation, and expressed pride in leaving behind a more stable and resilient educational framework. Somda highlighted the reopening of more than 80 schools that had been closed due to insecurity, achieved through collaboration with Defense and Security Forces. In his acceptance speech, Sié Palé expressed his commitment to building on Somda's efforts and thanked the South-West community and education partners for their support. Palé pledged to work towards enhancing the efficiency of the education system and acknowledged Somda's leadership, particularly noting initiatives such as raising over 5 million CFA francs for the special patriotic fund and a blood donation drive that collected 300 bags for the Blood Transfusion Center. Governor Boureima Savadogo commended the outgoing director's achievements and urged the new appointee to continue advancing educational improvements in the region, emphasizing the critical role of education in fostering resilience in the South-West.