Ouagadougou: The 1,000-seat multipurpose hall in Ziniar© was packed on July 21 and 22, 2025, for the first career days organized in Bassitenga province. An initiative of the Bassitenga provincial directorate of secondary, vocational, and technical education allowed new high school graduates, students, and parents to learn about training programs and their career prospects.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event was a significant opportunity for students like Wendgoudi Fabrice Tond©, a recent high school graduate, who appreciated the guidance provided in choosing a suitable major. Tond© mentioned the variety of available fields such as MPCI, marketing and management, finance and accounting, and regional planning, which helped him in making an informed decision.
Carole Nongbzanga Ou©draogo, another recent graduate, expressed similar sentiments about the orientation days' importance in aiding students to select appropriate university programs, thereby minimizing the risk of errors in their educational paths.
The opening ceremony was led by Sahabani Zeba, the High Commissioner of Bassitenga, who highlighted the event's importance for the province. He noted the transition from viewing such initiatives on TV to actively hosting them, emphasizing that making the right academic choice leads to success.
Naaba Sanem, the chief of Ziniar© and the event's sponsor, endorsed the initiative and encouraged parental involvement. He pointed out the necessity of exploring options beyond public universities, as some programs are not available there, hoping the initiative continues in future years.
Inspector L©ocadie Traor©, the provincial director, stressed the event's goal of helping young people succeed through informed choices. The program's theme, "Find your way today to succeed tomorrow," underscores the importance of choosing the right course of study post-baccalaureate.
The event featured panels discussing university courses, registration procedures, and access to social works, with contributions from public and private universities. Technicians from the Guidance and Scholarship Services and the CROU provided insights into health and food services, while professional testimonials highlighted vocational training's significance.
Students and parents also engaged in subgroup discussions and visited stands from various institutes to explore training options in Burkina Faso. The country's objective is to achieve a 60% referral rate for technical education and vocational training, aiming to guide more students toward these pathways.