Mouhoun: The High Commissioner of the Mouhoun Province, Bassouleymane Ouattara, has officially launched the "Green Mast Space" competition in the secondary schools of the province. The launch event took place on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Dedougou, coinciding with the weekly raising of the national flag in the city's secondary schools.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the flag-raising ceremony, which includes the performance of the national anthem, serves to reinforce the commitment of participants to republican values, discipline, respect for state symbols, and patriotism. The "Green Mast Space" competition is an initiative designed to foster civic-mindedness, patriotism, and eco-citizenship by encouraging the creation and upkeep of green spaces around flagpoles in schools.
High Commissioner Ouattara commended the initiative as a significant contribution to nurturing a patriotic and environmentally responsible youth. He highlighted the urgency of addressing environmental challenges in Burkina Faso through sustainable and inclusive measures, with education being a pivotal factor in cultivating future citizens.
Ouattara described the competition as an effective educational tool that merges the significance of the flagpole with the creation of green spaces, thereby integrating civic-mindedness, patriotism, and ecological awareness. He emphasized the competition's role in promoting experiential learning, fostering student creativity, and enhancing community engagement in schools.
The High Commissioner also praised the provincial directorate in charge of Secondary Education in Mouhoun for spearheading this initiative, urging school leaders, teachers, and supervisors to actively participate in the competition's implementation. He encouraged students to display discipline, innovation, and patriotism, ensuring that their efforts become enduring and inspiring examples.
Raoul Sanon, the regional director for Secondary Education in Bankui and sponsor of the competition, reiterated the importance of respecting national symbols and safeguarding the environment. These values, he noted, are deeply ingrained in the nation's traditions and ideals, serving as vital guides for educating the youth.
Aude Claudine KI/Ouedraogo, the provincial director for secondary education in Mouhoun and initiator of the competition, explained that the flagpole transcends its physical form. She emphasized that raising the national colors serves as a reminder of civic duty, discipline, and responsibility that citizens should embody every day.
The competition aims to convert areas surrounding flagpoles into green, aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable spaces, combining patriotism with environmental stewardship. It provides students with a practical framework for learning about civic responsibility, eco-citizenship, and teamwork.
Participating schools will be assessed based on criteria including aesthetics, plant diversity, maintenance, sustainability of installations, and active involvement of students and supervisors.