Ouagadougou: The 3rd edition of the Educational Holiday Camp, themed 'Civic-mindedness, first aid and road safety', concluded on Saturday after gathering 50 children aged 4 to 14 for a series of educational, civic, and practical activities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the participants were engaged in learning the concepts of civic responsibility, first aid, and road safety. They received instruction on the highway code, reading road signs, and appropriate behavior in traffic and public spaces. The camp also included awareness training on the dangers of drug use in schools, facilitated by the National Committee for the Fight Against Drugs.
The camp's organizer, Isma«l Ignace Sawadogo, highlighted several innovations in this 3rd edition, such as an institutional visit to the National Fire Brigade (BNSP). "The children were able to discover the missions and logistics of these men and women mobilized for emergency relief and civil protection," Sawadogo explained.
Participants also experienced a civic and patriotic immersion at the Faso Mªbo site, aimed at helping them understand the importance of nation-building across generations. Sawadogo emphasized that even young children can contribute to building Burkina Faso through their behavior, work, respect for others, and commitment.
First aid training was a significant component of the program, with children learning basic techniques and how to assess the level of consciousness of a person in distress. "The children learned how to assess a victim's level of consciousness and, ultimately, how to save a life," Sawadogo stated.
Support for the children is set to continue beyond the camp's conclusion. Organizers plan to implement post-camp follow-up throughout the school year, including listening, counseling, and awareness-raising sessions. Academic support opportunities, such as home tutoring, are also being considered.
Sverin Sanou, president of the special delegation (PDS) of district n°6 of Ouagadougou, praised the initiative for occupying children constructively during the holidays while furthering their education. Sanou highlighted the skills acquired by participants, particularly regarding wearing helmets, reading road signs, and proper behavior on public roads.
The closing ceremony featured presentations of the children's achievements and expressions of gratitude to parents, supervisors, partners, and various organizations that contributed to the success of this 3rd edition.