Gaoua: The second edition of the military-cultural camp was officially opened this Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Gaoua. Bringing together more than a hundred young people from several regions of the country, the activity is organized by the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Employment. This event aims to instill military, cultural and civic values in adolescents and young people.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Mr. Robert Zoungrana, Secretary General representing the Governor, stated that this initiative is part of a revolutionary dynamic, the Popular Progressive Revolution, which commands a new impetus for all Burkinabe citizens and especially for the youth. He emphasized that the camp is a learning space where essential values will be taught for building an honest and prosperous society.
"As its name suggests, it is a military-cultural camp. There are military values such as discipline and rigor, which will be instilled in the youth. But also other fundamental values in favor of youth for the development of our country," Mr. Zoungrana specified. He also praised the commitment of the organizers and participants, thanked all the vital forces of the region, the customary authorities, and the sponsors. He hoped that "the manna of the ancestors, as expressed by the representative of the customary chief of Gaoua, would accompany the camp so that it would take place in the best conditions and produce convincing results."
For the chief of staff representing Minister Roland Somda, Tegviel Evariste Metuole Dabir©, the military-cultural camp is part of the same logic as other national programs, such as the patriotic immersion of high school graduates and the Faso-M©bo holiday camp. The goal is to give young people the tools they need to become upstanding, law-abiding citizens who are proud of their culture and capable of meeting contemporary challenges. In addition to military training sessions, campers will learn about local cultural heritage.
Pastor Jonas Kambou, representing the sponsors, emphasized the need to change the perception that some young people have of themselves. "Young people can succeed through their own efforts, right here in Africa," he insisted. To illustrate his point, he cited his own successful experiences in agriculture, livestock farming, and fish farming, demonstrating that local entrepreneurship is a path to sustainable empowerment. He stressed the need to teach young people not only skills, but also a winning mentality: "Training young people so that they in turn become trainers, that is our ambition."
The training continues for ten days in Gaoua, punctuated by training, exercises, visits, and moments of intercultural sharing. This activity is placed under the patronage of Mr. Auyirtole Roland Somda, Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment, under the chairmanship of Mr. Siaka Barro, Governor of the Dj´r´ region, the sponsorship of Mr. Bassante Judica«l Pal©, Secretary General of the Dj´r´ employers' association, and the co-sponsorship of Pastor Jonas Kambou, agricultural entrepreneur.