Ouagadougou: The Artistic and Cultural Month (MAC), piloted from June 15 to July 15, 2026, by the Ministry of Basic Education, Literacy, and the Promotion of National Languages (MEBAPLN), has achieved promising results in imparting cultural, civic, and patriotic values to children, as observed by AIB during the closing ceremony on Wednesday.
According to Burkina Information Agency, administrative and customary authorities, along with parents and guests, witnessed the culmination of a month-long series of activities where children showcased the knowledge and skills they acquired. Student representative Leila Olegbin expressed that the initiative revealed that education extends beyond intellectual development to nurture the heart, hands, and patriotic spirit. The program helped participants deepen their understanding and appreciation of their country and culture.
Throughout the month, children engaged in a variety of artistic, cultural, and craft activities such as dyeing, drawing, theater, ballet, storytelling, and poetry. They also learned practical skills like making eco-friendly charcoal, chocolate from shea nuts, and the local dish kokodonda. These projects were displayed at exhibition stands visited by authorities and guests.
Crpin Zanz, representing the School Councils, highlighted the significant role of culture and education in shaping the future. He remarked, 'Every child carries a star within them. Culture is a compass, a school (.) Investing in a child is investing in the future of the nation.'
A video shown during the ceremony captured the various stages of learning at the pilot schools, offering the public a glimpse into the educational process.
The Minister of Basic Education, Literacy, and Promotion of National Languages, Jacques Sosth¨ne Dingara, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of this experimental phase. He emphasized that the objectives-passing on cultural values and fostering civic duty and patriotism among children-were largely fulfilled.
Sosth¨ne Dingara also noted that the initiative aimed to involve community members in the educational process. A report on the experiment will be compiled to guide improvements for future editions.
The first edition, sponsored by the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, Gilbert Oudraogo, involved eight pilot schools, including five in Ouagadougou and three in Bobo-Dioulasso.