Dori: The Environment and Local Development Association (EDEL) organized a public conference on Tuesday in Dori dedicated to the mid-term review of the school garden project implemented in the schools of Gorom Est, Falagountou A, Wendou C, Essakane Village, and Essakane Site B. Held under the theme: "Environmental education and citizen participation of communities in the sustainable development projects of the IAMGOLD Essakane SA mine", the meeting gathered actors from the educational world, representatives of local development organizations, and officials from the mining company IAMGOLD Essakane SA.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Ibrahim Maiga, president of the EDEL association, stated that the results obtained since the project's launch are generally satisfactory. He explained that the school gardens have promoted healthy eating while strengthening students' environmental education. "Children learn to produce what they consume and consume what they produce through school canteens," he said, emphasizing that this approach helps develop in students a sense of responsibility, work ethic, and attachment to the land.

Testimonials gathered from teachers, parents, and students of the five beneficiary schools confirmed the relevance of the project. Participants noted that school gardens serve not only as a practical learning environment for agricultural techniques but also as a tool for improving the nutritional quality of meals served in school canteens.

Mr. Maiga announced the EDEL association's intention to sustain and extend the experience to other schools in the Sahel region. For his part, the regional director in charge of education, Elhadji Boubacar, welcomed this initiative, describing it as "a source of hope". He stressed that this project aligns perfectly with the educational reforms underway in Burkina Faso, particularly those aimed at strengthening learning by doing and promoting the autonomy of schools.

Mr. Boubacar remarked that the integration of school gardens into educational programs helps to link teaching, food, and the environment, promoting comprehensive and concrete learning. He encouraged stakeholders to make these initiatives sustainable to maintain their positive effects on students and their families. The director also congratulated the EDEL association for its ability to mobilize various partners around a common goal: to make the school an actor in local development.

Franck Napon, the director in charge of health, safety, and sustainable development at IAMGOLD Essakane SA, expressed the mining company's satisfaction with the results achieved at this stage of the project. He reaffirmed IAMGOLD Essakane SA's commitment to continue supporting community development actions, particularly those contributing to strengthening local resilience and environmental sustainability.