Tuy: After 50 years of existence, the Kari A public primary school now bears the name of the pioneer Bakary Coulibaly. The Kari A public primary school celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, April 4, 2026, marking a significant milestone by renaming itself "Bakary Coulibaly Public Primary School." The new name honors one of the key figures in the school's establishment, Bakary Coulibaly.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was presided over by the High Commissioner of the province of Tuy, Issiaka Segda, and was attended by the head of mission at the Ministry of Basic Education, Literacy and Promotion of National Languages, Michel Yameogo. The event was themed "Kari Public Primary School, Fifty Years of Education: Current Situation and Prospects," and it gathered former students, teachers, parents, and villagers. The occasion was celebrated in a festive atmosphere enriched by the sounds of Bwaba culture.
The Kari primary school, which opened in October 1975 with a single class of 70 students under a mango tree, has grown significantly. It now consists of two buildings, each with three classrooms, and serves 436 students, including 238 girls and 208 boys. Benimafe Badoun, chairman of the organizing committee, expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners for their support in making the event successful.
Despite the celebration, Mr. Badoun highlighted several challenges faced by the school, such as insufficient teaching materials, a lack of desks and benches, and difficult working conditions for teachers. He advocated for the development of additional educational facilities, including a Non-Formal Basic Education Centre (CEBNF), a General Education College (CEG), and a Centre for Early Childhood Development and Preschool Education (CEEP) to transform the Kari school into a comprehensive educational complex.
Moutamou Kani, a student from the school's second graduating class, represented the sponsors and expressed pride in supporting the golden jubilee. In his speech, filled with personal anecdotes, he reminisced about the school's humble beginnings with classes held under trees and emphasized the importance of discipline and respect among students. He also praised the dedication of the teaching staff.
The sponsors committed to enhancing the school's infrastructure by pledging to fence off the vegetable garden, furnish teachers' offices with chairs, and donate desks and benches. A speech by the Minister in charge of Basic Education, read by High Commissioner Issiaka Segda, paid tribute to those who contributed to the school's establishment and acknowledged the efforts of educators to train young minds under challenging conditions.
The event also included a tribute to the late Bakary Coulibaly, the principal architect of the school's creation. Certificates of recognition were awarded to alumni and individuals who have significantly contributed to the school's prestige. Students and classes who excelled in the 50th-anniversary commemorative activities were also honored.
The ceremony concluded with the official renaming of the Kari A school to "Bakary Coulibaly Public Primary School," celebrating the legacy of its pioneer.