Ouagadougou: The Association of Young Visionaries (AJV) launched the first edition of the Burkina Faso Museums and Tourist Sites Fair (SAMUSITB) on Saturday, aiming to promote the national cultural heritage. 'We are organizing this Burkina Faso Museums and Tourist Sites Fair because the current state of our country calls for us to return to our roots, particularly in the cultural sphere,' declared Ferdinand Ouedraogo, President of the AJV.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this return to roots is part of the initiative led by the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, who established a day dedicated to customs and traditions for preserving and promoting Burkinabe cultural heritage. The president of the association expressed these sentiments at the National Museum of Ouagadougou during the opening of SAMUSITB, themed "History and culture of our Nation: symbols of our national sovereignty."
Ouedraogo highlighted the importance of complementing academic training with cultural education to produce future patriots and cultural ambassadors. 'Our students need to reconnect with their roots and understand where they come from,' he emphasized. He also noted that the exhibition would enable national museums to forge partnerships to boost their visibility, promote renovation, and contribute to cultural development in Burkina Faso.
SAMUSITB offers an opportunity for students from the Higher Institute of Technology (IST) and the Modern African Private Institute (IPAM) to engage in exchange, creation, and innovation at the National Museum. Ouedraogo urged Burkinabe citizens to play a more active role in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage.
The Director General of the National Museum, Sabari Christian Dao, praised the association for its dedication to promoting Burkinabe culture, describing SAMUSITB as a platform for reconnecting with the country's cultural heritage. He encouraged citizens to visit the National Museum more frequently to enhance its role as a cultural showcase.
Dr. Vincent Sedogo, representing the Minister in charge of Higher Education and patron of the ceremony, lauded the SAMUSITB initiative for revitalizing cultural heritage. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting the association's objectives in promoting national heritage.
During the ceremony, IST and IPAM were recognized as ambassadors for the National Museum and the Museum of Music, respectively, with certificates of support. The event concluded with a guided tour of the exhibition stands and the National Museum.