Gourma: The municipality of Matiacoali celebrated Academic Excellence Day on Saturday, January 31, 2026, during a solemn ceremony presided over by the President of the Special Delegation (PDS), Had© Souleymane Daramkoum. The event brought together administrative authorities, the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), education stakeholders, partners, and local residents.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was held under the theme "Excellence, a lever for strengthening the resilience of stakeholders, for quality education," aiming to recognize and encourage the efforts of students, teachers, and partners working to promote education in the municipality. The President of the Special Delegation, Had© Souleymane Daramkoum, acknowledged the presence of the security forces officials for their commitment to education.
He pointed out that excellence extends beyond quantifiable performance, highlighting it as an attitude rooted in effort, perseverance, and self-improvement, which is crucial for building an inclusive and effective school system. "Despite a challenging environment, the results of the 2024-2025 school year demonstrate an encouraging trend, with an 80.83% pass rate for the Primary School Leaving Certificate (CEP) and 66.67% for the Junior High School Leaving Certificate (BEPC)," stated Mr. Daramkoum.
The PDS also noted the mobilization of 10,500,000 CFA francs by the former Parents' Associations (APE), Mothers' Educators' Associations (AME), and School Management Committees (COGES), which funded 35 community facilitators, showcasing the resilience and collective responsibility of the community.
Daniel Diallo, the Head of the Matiacoali Basic Education District (CCEB), presented the evolution of academic performance over several years. He reported that primary school pass rates increased from 74.05% in 2021-2022 to 80.83% in 2024-2025, with some intermediate variations. In non-formal education, results were 89.47% in 2023-2024 compared to 70% in 2024-2025, while in post-primary education, the rate rose from 39% in 2023-2024 to 67% in 2024-2025.
He attributed these achievements to the combined efforts of students, teachers, principals, educational advisors, and partners. Both speakers emphasized the importance of recognition as a motivating factor and encouraged students who did not receive awards to increase their efforts for future competitions.
Appreciation was extended to traditional and religious authorities, technical and financial partners, NGOs, and the security forces for their continued support. The ceremony concluded with prayers for peace, a successful 2025-2026 academic year, and the harmonious development of the Matiacoali commune.