Pouytenga: The Pouytenga Municipal High School was the venue for the 8th edition of the "Sadate Bikienga School Excellence Award" held on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The event, under the theme "From Pouytenga to the whole of Burkina Faso: excellence as heritage and mission," was sponsored by His Excellency, Sosthene Sanou, the Special Advisor to the Minister for Youth at the Presidency of Burkina Faso. It recognized over sixty award winners and honored the memory of the late El Hadj Youssouf Derra, a notable education advocate.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Sadate Bikienga School Excellence Award is a citizen initiative established by Sadate Bikienga, an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Pouytenga. The award aims to reward academic merit annually and promote a culture of effort among students and teachers in the Kouritenga province (Nakambe region) and the communes of Boulsa (Koulse region), Zoungou, Zorgho, and Mogtedo (Oubri region).

This year's edition honored 61 winners, including top students in CEP, BEPC, and BAC exams from both traditional and Franco-Arabic schools, as well as teachers and institutions of excellence. Prizes such as bicycles, motorcycles, scholarships, certificates, and school supplies were presented to recognize their efforts.

In his opening remarks, His Majesty the Kourit-Yir Soaba, Naba Yemde, lauded Sadate Bikienga's commitment to education and local development. He encouraged students to maintain their efforts, emphasizing that knowledge is crucial for development.

Gerard Kere, the principal of the municipal high school, congratulated the recipients and reminded them that "excellence is not an end point, but a journey toward self-improvement." He expressed gratitude to the project's founder and supporters and highlighted the need for a perimeter fence, electrification of classrooms, and sports field improvement for the 1,384 students.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Jessica Nikiema expressed gratitude, particularly highlighting the significance of celebrating educational efforts, especially in girls' education. She thanked the project's organizer, teachers, and parents for their support.

El Hadj Moussa Derra, representing the Derra family, paid homage to Cheick El Hadj Youssouf Derra, the organizer's mentor, and thanked supporters from various backgrounds, including Mr. Brahima Soro from Cote d'Ivoire.

Founder Sadate Bikienga emphasized that excellence is a legacy to be passed on and a mission to be pursued. He recalled the journey's beginning ten years ago with support from the late Youssouf Derra, noting the interruption caused by COVID-19 and other challenges. Bikienga announced plans for constructing two new classrooms for the municipal high school, funded by a community effort from Pouytenga's sons, daughters, and friends.

Sosthene Sanou concluded the ceremony by advocating for "a revolution in the education sector." He highlighted the need for community reflection when a high school lacks essential infrastructure like electricity and a fence. He encouraged students to have confidence in themselves, asserting that "Burkina Faso is not poor" and that development will come through knowledge, discipline, and hard work.

The ceremony ended with the laying of a foundation stone for new classrooms and a symbolic tree planting, representing the future and continuity.