Piela:The citizen watch group of Piela in the Gnagna province conducted an awareness event at the town hall of the commune, focusing on critical issues such as road safety, forced marriages, and child labor in gold mining. The initiative aimed to promote responsible behavior and enhance child protection in the community.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the event included four hours of discussions urging local citizens to actively combat practices harmful to road safety, education, and child development.

The first presentation by Warrant Officer Marcel Sahoun and Staff Sergeant Zarafiou Yoni highlighted the necessity of adhering to the Highway Code to prevent accidents and safeguard public welfare. In addressing forced marriages in schools, Babirble Tindano, head of the social services department, pointed to poverty as a contributing factor but insisted that it should not infringe on children's rights to education and freedom in marriage decisions.

Mathieu Ouedraogo, head of the basic education district, focused on the perils of child labor in gold mining, emphasizing the risks to children's safety and education. He criticized the trend of parents withdrawing children from school for mining work, stressing that economic improvement should not compromise education and child protection.

Andre Lankoande, Secretary General of the Piela Citizen Watch, expressed gratitude to the panelists and participants, emphasizing the importance of responsible citizenship. Boureima Taram, president of the special delegation of Piela, praised the initiative and encouraged attendees to act as ambassadors for spreading preventive messages in their communities.

The session concluded with interactive discussions among participants, including various community members who engaged with the topics presented.