Ouagadougou: Simi Service, in collaboration with the Vim Yingre cooperative in Bousse, launched a plastic waste recycling training program on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, for young people from communities impacted by the activities of the Nordgold Niou SA mining company. The ceremony was presided over by the High Commissioner of Kourweogo Province, Mahamadi Congo, in the presence of administrative authorities from the affected communities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, with the financial support of the mining company Nordgold Niou SA, Simi Services and Vim Yingre, specializing in the collection and transformation of plastic waste, commenced a training for about thirty young people. The participants hail from Dalpelgo, Mane, Tema Bokin, Niou, Toeghin, and Bousse, and will be trained in manufacturing furniture and utilitarian objects from recycled materials.

The activities coordinator, Simeon Windinkonte Ilboudo, stated that the training is scheduled to last 30 days, including two weeks of theoretical and practical processes covering the foundry of plastic bags and manufacturing of table-benches, slabs, chairs, and coffee tables. The training also includes transforming used tires into garden furniture and utilitarian objects, followed by a recap and evaluation of achievements.

Authorities present at the launch expressed their encouragement to the learners. The High Commissioner of Kourweogo Province, Mahamadi Congo, emphasized the importance of the training, noting its ecological utility and potential for self-employment and business creation. He urged participants to attend the sessions regularly.

Sayouba Ouedraogo, the provincial director in charge of Youth and Employment, addressed the participants on entrepreneurship. The campaign aims to instill an entrepreneurial spirit and prepare young beneficiaries to establish their businesses post-training, contributing to reducing unemployment and enhancing the local economy.

Beneficiaries of the program welcomed the initiative, viewing it as an opportunity to diversify income sources while improving their community's living environment.