Mouhoun: The Governor of the Bankui region, Babo Pierre Bassinga, launched the first phase of the Civic and Patriotic Education (ECP) program for middle school students in Dedougou. He encouraged the students to be proud of their Burkinabe heritage.According to Burkina Information Agency, the Civic and Patriotic Education (ECP) is part of a mandatory patriotic immersion program established by decree on June 24, 2025, for students admitted to school and professional examinations. To extend this education to additional students, the authorities initiated the ECP for intermediate classes under the Presidential Initiative for Quality Education.The governor highlighted that the ECP aims to instill fundamental values such as civic-mindedness, discipline, order, solidarity, respect for authority, and love of country. He stated that this program contributes to the comprehensive training of youth, who are crucial in consolidating national unity, stability, and sustainable development in Burkina Faso.Addressing t he students, the governor explained that civic and patriotic education also provides a framework for learning about coexistence, tolerance, and civic responsibility. He urged the students to engage in the activities with seriousness, discipline, and diligence, while also being proud of their national identity."Be proud of your belonging to Burkina Faso and remain aware that the future of our country rests, in large part, on your commitment and your sense of duty," concluded Babo Pierre Bassinga.The regional director in charge of Secondary Education in Bankui, Raoul Sanon, emphasized that the initiative is national in scope and concerns all regions of the country. He detailed that the civic and patriotic training will occur in three phases during 2026: a pilot phase from January 5 to February 15, a second phase from February 16 to April 30, and a third phase from October to December."For the Bankui and Sourou region, the first phase concerns 55 establishments and training centers, for a total of 27,618 s tudents," explained Mr. Sanon. Students who participated expressed satisfaction, seeing the ECP as an opportunity to strengthen social cohesion, a sense of national belonging, and discipline among young people.The program will focus on themes such as eco-citizenship, prevention and fight against social ills, and the promotion of exemplary civic behavior. The launch ceremony, attended by administrative authorities and education stakeholders, featured a parade of technical and vocational training establishments and centers, which was well received by the audience.