Kourittenga: The Burkinabe Association for Youth Support for Solidarity Development (ABAJDS) organized the 5th edition of the day of merit and solidarity this Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Kanougou primary school in the commune of Yargo, under the banner of civic engagement and remembrance.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was presided over by the High Commissioner of the province of Kourittenga, Moctar Ilboudo, representing the Minister in charge of Basic Education. The theme of the event was "Contribution of the educational community to the implementation of the presidential initiative for quality education for all".

One of the highlights of this celebration was the inauguration of the Kanougou school garden, which now bears the name of the late Joachim Kyelem, the first director of the establishment from 1949 to 1952, and father of the former Prime Minister, Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem of Tamb¨la. Created with the support of the NGO Smiling World, this garden is intended as an educational tool and a symbol of food sovereignty within the school. A tribute was also paid to Joseph Belemsigri, a historical figure in the local teaching staff.

For the president of the association, Vincent de Paul Belemsigri, this initiative aligns with the priorities of the Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traore. "Civil society must support the government in its sectoral policies. We organized this day to support the vision of the Progressive and Popular Revolution, because every Burkinabe must mobilize for sovereign and quality education," he said.

The association made significant donations to 7 primary schools and the high school in Kanougou. Nearly 80 students and teachers received complete school kits, bicycles, teaching materials, and certificates of recognition for the teachers. The sponsor of the edition, Virginie Kyelem/Kabore, Head of the revenue department of ONASER, expressed her pride and indicated that the motive is noble because it contributes to improving the living conditions of those for whom school is a priority.

Since its creation, ABAJDS has displayed actions including the distribution of 400 school kits, 250 solar lamps, 60 bicycles, 13 tons of food, and sports equipment including 20 sets of jerseys and 58 balls. The High Commissioner of the province of Kourittenga, Moctar Ilboudo, reiterated the authorities' support for this association which, through its actions, transforms education into a lever of national solidarity.