Sourou: An association encourages young people not to deny their origins. The Ana Ye Mi Association (AYM) held a public conference for the benefit of youth in Tougan on Thursday, during which it urged everyone not to forget their origins. The activity, held in the meeting room of the Centre for Public Reading and Cultural Activities (CELPAC) in Tougan, focused on the theme: “Cultural Loss: Issues and Perspectives”.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the conference was held under the patronage of the Regional Director of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism for the Boucle du Mouhoun region, Sinaly Djibo, and was chaired by the High Commissioner of the Sourou province, D©sir© Badolo. It brought together cultural stakeholders from the city as well as many young people, mostly students.

The association’s president, Barkwend© Ezekiel Kient©ga, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity during the meeting. “The objective of this conference is to launch an appeal for the safeguarding of our cultural identity, for the reconquest, preservation, and above all the promotion of our values,” he stated. Mr. Kient©ga further noted that the choice of Tougan was strategic, linking the province’s security challenges to the loss of cultural values, suggesting that their restoration could foster peace and social cohesion.

Participant Assiatou To© expressed that she gained significant insights from the event and committed to disseminating the message to her peers. “I learned that we need to know where we come from and where we are going. I will pass on this strong message to my classmates,” she remarked.

R©mi Bagr©, representing the ceremony’s patron, highlighted culture as the essence of a people’s identity. “Culture is not merely entertainment or a relic of the past, but rather the very foundation of our collective identity, the cement that unites our communities and the mirror that reflects our soul,” he said.

High Commissioner D©sir© Badolo commended the association for its efforts and encouraged young people to appreciate African culture rather than emulating Western culture.