Banfora: The official closing ceremony of the mandatory patriotic immersion program was held in Banfora, within the Tannounyan region. Initiated by the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, this month-long training brought together the new graduates around the nation's cardinal values: unity, patriotism, solidarity, respect for the common good, and civic engagement.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the immersion, which began on August 11, allowed participants to acquire notions of discipline and resilience, as well as to strengthen their connection with history and national identity. Of the expected number of 2,624 high school graduates, 2,513 actually responded to the call, including 1,293 boys and 1,220 girls, explained the Regional Director of Secondary Education, Vocational and Technical Training, Alidou Karim KONE.
To supervise this large group, 421 people were mobilized, including defense and security forces (FDS), civilian supervisors, health workers, and 37 canteen workers. The Governor of the Tannounyan region, Badaboue Florent Bazie, paid tribute to all the supervisors and the FDS, noting their role in instilling the spirit of discipline and solidarity in the young participants. He also acknowledged the civilian supervisors' contribution, who enriched the training with their expertise in history, patriotic education, and republican values.
Mr. Bazie extended his gratitude to donors, businesses, associations, and individuals for their financial, material, and logistical contributions, emphasizing that "Your support demonstrates once again that patriotism thrives on the solidarity of all." He further expressed appreciation to the President of Faso for initiating this compulsory patriotic immersion, describing it as a significant investment in national social cohesion and the future of the youth.
The Governor encouraged the new graduates to act as ambassadors of patriotism within their families, universities, and communities, highlighting that the nation relies on them to uphold these ideals. Traore Eve, representing the participants, shared the transformative impact of the training, stating, "For four weeks, we lived an experience that transformed our hearts, our minds, and our vision of the future. Today we leave united, attached to the values that make our dear country strong."