Ouagadougou: Students from the 'La Fondation' school group took part on Wednesday in a tourist and educational excursion to the granite sculpture site in Laongo and to the Thomas Sankara Memorial, as part of the 4th edition of the Burkina Faso Cultural Heritage Month.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this initiative was organized by the tourism agency "Faso Tourisme," under the supervision of the ministry in charge of Culture, aiming to promote domestic tourism and bring younger generations closer to their cultural heritage. At Laongo, the students experienced firsthand the granite sculptures that depict social realities, traditional values, and the evolution of African society. The guides provided insights into themes of solidarity, social cohesion, education, and community living.
The excursion progressed to the Thomas Sankara Memorial, a site honoring the memory of the Burkinab¨ leader. Here, students learned about his dedication to social justice, integrity, national sovereignty, and endogenous development. The guides emphasized the patriotism, responsibility, and integrity Sankara stood for, encouraging students to embody these values.
Celine Bihoun, head of the La Fondation school group, noted that the excursion offered a valuable opportunity for practical learning. "This outing allows students to strengthen their cultural knowledge and better understand the values of our society," she remarked. Student Thiombiano Oria shared her experience, stating that the sculpted stones helped her "better learn the stories of the past" and appreciate the importance of cultural heritage. She expressed gratitude to the organizers for this enlightening experience.
Faso Tourism Director General, Sulaiman Kagone, highlighted the significance of such excursions in youth education. He stated that these initiatives aim to "instill in schoolchildren reflexes of discovering heritage" and foster a deeper love for their country. Kagone also mentioned that the Burkinabe Cultural Heritage Month, running from April 18 to May 18, 2026, seeks to engage the population in promoting national cultural treasures.
Through these activities, authorities aim to nurture a youth that is aware of its cultural identity and committed to civic values.