Sandbondtenga: Fifty-six candidates began their primary school leaving certificate (CEP) and entrance exams for sixth grade on Tuesday in the commune of Pensa. This steadily increasing number reflects the gradual recovery of the local education system after years of security crises.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the official launch of the tests took place at the Pensa A school. The first envelope containing the writing test was opened by the representative of the prefect of the department of Pensa, Gouwenmalgr© Ou©draogo, in the presence of the head of the Basic Education District (CCEB) of Pensa, Y©waya Samuel Sawadogo, customary authorities as well as the defense and security forces.

The CCEB of Pensa noted that the evolution of student numbers and academic results testifies to the efforts made to revive education in the municipality. In 2024, Pensa presented 28 candidates for the Certificate of Primary Education (CEP), with a pass rate of 80%. In 2025, the municipality recorded a 100% pass rate with 34 candidates. For the 2026 session, 56 students are taking the exam.

The 2026 session is the third organized in Pensa since the resumption of school exams in this locality affected by insecurity. Through the continued increase in the number of candidates and the performance recorded in recent years, the municipality is gradually showing signs of a return to normalcy. The school thus remains a powerful factor in resilience and social cohesion.