Abuja: The Bafudji provincial high school in Gaoua was the venue for the official launch ceremony of the mandatory patriotic immersion for new high school graduates from the Dj´r´ region. The event was presided over by Governor Siaka Barro and attended by administrative, military, paramilitary authorities, and the vital forces of the region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Governor Siaka Barro applauded the new graduates for their successful completion of the baccalaureate, session 2026, and emphasized the importance of rigorously engaging with the lessons during the thirty days of training. He articulated the goal of the program as cultivating patriotic Burkinabe who are ready to defend their country and uphold national integrity.
Governor Barro highlighted that this initiative aligns with the vision of Burkina Faso's highest authorities to foster a responsible, disciplined, and engaged youth dedicated to the nation's development. He urged participants to embody the values learned during the immersion and serve as role models in their communities and educational institutions.
The governor reported that 1,445 of the anticipated 1,541 participants were present at the Gaoua site at the launch. He also acknowledged the involvement of graduates from neighboring countries and 22 graduates from the class of 2025 who joined the program this year, reflecting the initiative's growing appeal.
Addressing community support, Governor Barro mentioned that contributions in the region have amassed more than 2.1 million CFA francs in Poni and 1.1 million CFA francs in Ioba, along with donations of rice to support the participants' stay. He encouraged continued regional contributions to bolster this national effort.
Adjutant Soumala Djiguemd© of the National Gendarmerie, responsible for supervising the Bafudji immersion site, explained the training's focus on instilling discipline, order, and a sense of duty. He emphasized the necessity of discipline in fostering patriotism and urged participants to approach the experience with determination and adherence to supervisory guidance.
The training for the new high school graduates will cover patriotism, discipline, civic-mindedness, and national service commitment over the thirty-day period. The ceremony also included a broadcasted message from the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, and a tree planting to commemorate the occasion.
This patriotic immersion initiative is designed to cultivate a civic-minded youth committed to the vision of a united, sovereign, and prosperous Burkina Faso.