Guiriko: In the lead-up to Nelson Mandela International Day, which will be celebrated on July 18, the Bobo-Dioulasso Detention and Correctional Center (MACB) organized a cleanup day on Thursday at the Pala University Hospital Center (CHU). This initiative aims to improve the hospital environment while promoting the social reintegration of inmates.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this activity is part of MACB's annual program dedicated to celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day, which promotes the dignity of people deprived of their liberty. It took place in the presence of the Commander of the Penitentiary Administration at the Court of Appeal of Bobo-Dioulasso, Comrade ‰variste Dala, known as Toe.
The director of MACB, Comrade Efrem Modeste Ky, highlighted the dual objective of the initiative. 'Firstly, the inmates want to be useful to society. By cleaning up this area, they contribute to providing a healthy environment for patients, their companions, and hospital staff. Secondly, this activity helps prepare them for their return to society. This initiative will continue in order to contribute sustainably to the cleanup of the area surrounding the center,' he stated.
Drissa Sanon, representing the chief of Pala village, praised this civic initiative. "We commend the officials and inmates of the MACB. May God grant them long life and guide them in their endeavors," he stated.
The representative of the Director General of the Pala University Hospital, Professor T©n© Marceline Yam©ogo, also expressed her satisfaction. "A clean environment is calming and beneficial for everyone. We also hope to see this space further enhanced by the planting of trees," she emphasized.
For inmate KS, taking part in this operation is a source of satisfaction. "We have a good working relationship with our superiors. It's a pleasure for us to contribute to making this environment clean and pleasant," he said.
This cleanup operation illustrates MACB's commitment to making social reintegration a reality through community-based initiatives. It also demonstrates the role that incarcerated individuals can play in the development of their communities when given the opportunity.