Ouagadougou: The children of the Burkimbi Early Childhood Education and Awakening Center (CEEP), located in sector 2 of Kaya, made a lasting impression this Monday by singing in unison the 'Sahel Benkan', the anthem of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), at the end of a solemn ceremony of raising the national colors at the governorate square. Dressed in koko dondan uniforms, these toddlers aged 3 to 6 years old first took part in the raising of the colors to the sound of the Ditanye, before continuing with the AES anthem, arousing admiration and surprise among the administrative authorities present.

According to Burkina Information Agency, accompanied by their instructors, the children undertook this visit as part of the National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Civic Participation. The initiative aimed to introduce them to local institutions and strengthen their sense of civic responsibility. On this occasion, the governor of the region, the High Commissioner of the province of Sandbondtenga, and the president of the special delegation of Kaya exchanged with the students through questions on morality and civic responsibility, to which the latter responded with confidence.

The children also mostly expressed their desire to contribute to the peace effort, particularly by later joining the defense and security forces. As a sign of support for the slogan "My plate, my pride", they presented the governor with a dish of "bagbenda", a traditional local dish made from cereals and leaves. The regional governor, Colonel-Major Zoewendmanego Blaise Ouedraogo, expressed his admiration for the children's level of awareness and discipline. He commended the educators for their work in providing civic and moral training to the youngest children.

The High Commissioner of Sandbondtenga province, Idrissa Gamsonre, expressed his amazement at the children's mastery of the songs. "It is through the very young that true citizens can be shaped for our country," he declared. For his part, Boureima Belemvire, director of the center, emphasized the educational value of this outing, which allows children to better understand administrative authorities and to integrate the values of respect and citizenship.