Comoe: The Principal of Saint Luc High School in Banfora, Father Alexandre Bingo, officially presented the learning workshops established for the benefit of the school's students on Monday. Created since the school's opening in 2012, these workshops are held every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and constitute an important pillar of the school's educational project.
According to Burkina Information Agency, these workshops cover several areas. In sports, students can choose from football, gymnastics, taekwondo, choreography, and basketball. The football section, which is organized to coach the U15, U17, and U19 age groups, has also developed into an academy. "When we identify talented players, we support them with professional coaches. Within this academy, a team of two or three players stands out, with two players currently on professional trials in Italy," stated the Headmaster, Father Alexandre Bingo.
In the field of manual and artistic training, students can choose from mechatronics, men's and women's hairdressing, sewing, choir, drawing, decoration, and theater. The objective is clear: to offer a well-rounded education and effectively prepare students for their professional future. This aims not only to make it easier for them to find employment but also to create jobs for others.
Father Bingo emphasized that these workshops are popular with both students and parents. In their educational project, they deemed it necessary to create these workshops for the benefit of the students. Each student enrolled in the school chooses a workshop according to their talents and trains there throughout the school year. It is also a place for expression, for another type of intelligence, explained Father Bingo.
According to him, some students, once they reach university, practice the trade they learned in high school to support themselves. He specifically cited the example of a former student who, upon arriving at university, opened a hair salon and successfully practices this profession in her free time. This initiative aligns with the national movement advocating the development of practical skills to complement traditional education.
Father Bingo also encouraged the trainees to take these trades seriously and to pursue their training diligently, urging parents to support and encourage their children in their perseverance. Regarding hairdressing and sewing, he reassured them that after two years of training, independent candidates will be presented for the Professional Qualification Certificate (CQP).
The head of the basketball workshop, Idrissa Coulibaly, praised the initiative of the school officials. He acknowledged that initially, some reluctance was noticeable among the students, but today, their commitment is genuine. "The students are eager and very dedicated to learning this sport," he stated.
Ouedraogo W. Shakira, a participant in the basketball workshop, expressed her intention to make basketball a career. Mamadou Arnaud Kouyate, the head of the football workshop, explained that the section is divided into two groups: the U15s (under 15s) on one hand, and the U17s and U19s on the other, spread across two pitches. "We're seeing a lot of interest. Many young people today dream of becoming footballers. Our sessions can last between two and three hours, especially during the preparation period for inter-school competitions and USUBF activities," he added.
He finally thanked the headmaster and his colleagues for this initiative and invited the students to take this training with the utmost seriousness.