D©dougou: The Secretary General of the Bankui region, Adjara Sandrine Kient©ga/Ou©draogo, representing the Governor, presided over the first edition of the Trades Days in D©dougou on May 9, 2026. The event, themed "The integration of vocational training into the school curriculum: a path towards a new Burkina Faso," drew attention to the significance of incorporating vocational training within the educational framework.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was attended by special envoys from the Minister of Secondary Education and the Minister of Homeland Construction, namely Nahomie Ou©draogo/Bicaba and Yssouf Diallo. The event was sponsored by Abb© Andr© To©, Dr. Stanislas Tianhou, and Laurent Dombou©, who are prominent figures in the region's educational and business sectors.
The initiative, led by the provincial directorate of Secondary Education of Mouhoun, aims to bridge the gap between schools and the professional world, enhancing practical skills among students. Careers Days serve as a platform to promote technical and vocational education, addressing challenges related to employability and school dropout rates.
Administrative and educational authorities emphasized the importance of this reform, aligning it with the national vision for educational advancement. They highlighted the need for promoting technical and vocational pathways and fostering entrepreneurial skills among the youth.
Adjara Sandrine Kient©ga/Ou©draogo expressed the country's goal of training citizens who can significantly contribute to economic and social development. She described the trade fair as a strategic move to provide learners with opportunities to showcase their practical skills.
Nahomie Ou©draogo/Bicaba, the project manager, outlined the ministerial department's reform aimed at making technical and vocational education a cornerstone of development, with a target to channel 60% of learners into these sectors by 2050. She urged educational communities to support hands-on learning and youth entrepreneurship.
Dr. Stanislas Tianhou, representing the sponsors, commended the efforts to highlight the importance of professions as key drivers of dignity, economic autonomy, and national development. He noted the impressive quality and creativity displayed by learners, fostering hope for the youth's future.
Siaka Dao from the provincial directorate of Secondary Education of Mouhoun detailed the initiatives to introduce trades in schools through collaborations with training centers, companies, and artisans. Currently, twenty-six establishments in the province are involved in training across twenty-five trades in six activity branches.
Professionals encouraged students to engage in technical and professional trades, citing them as reliable paths to employment and economic empowerment. Authorities visiting the learners' booths expressed commitment to enhancing practical skills and improving youth employability.