Kadiogo: The 'Les Petits Futs Sainte Marie Faustine' school organized a solemn national flag-raising ceremony this Monday in Ouagadougou, followed by the laying of the foundation stone of the future parade ground, in the presence of students, parents, supervisors, and administrative authorities. This activity reflects the desire of teachers and parents to consolidate educational achievements and strengthen civic education among students. It aims to instill in students the values of citizenship, discipline, and civic responsibility.
According to Burkina Information Agency, a presentation of approximately thirty minutes on the symbols of the nation and the parade ground was given by the Director of Communication and Public Relations of the Grand Chancellery of Burkina Faso, Mr. Ousmane Savadogo. Mr. Savadogo explained that the parade ground is a structure designed for raising the national flag. In schools, three sides are occupied by students and the fourth by the teaching staff, symbolizing unity and cohesion.
He clarified that the expression "national flag" is of military origin, pointing out that what is hoisted in schools is more often called "national ensign" or "mast flag". Mr. Savadogo also highlighted the numerous errors made through ignorance in the representation of the national emblem, particularly the poor arrangement of the colors and the points of the star. "The red stripe should be at the top, the green stripe at the bottom, with three points of the star on the red part and two on the green part," he reminded. He urged the students to respect national values and to show more discipline and civic responsibility.
Following the presentation, the authorities proceeded with the symbolic laying of the first stone of the future parade ground of the establishment. For the chairman of the school council, Labour Crpin Zanz, the youngest learners represent the definite future of the country. "We have only one bulwark in Burkina Faso: the colors of the nation. It doesn't matter where we come from or where we are going," he told the students.
He also welcomed the presence of the authorities, believing that civic education must begin at a young age, and invited the heads of other establishments to follow suit by building parade grounds in their schools. The ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Basic Education, Literacy, and the Promotion of National Languages.