Ouagadougou: The Wend-Zoodo Children and Youth Development Center in Tangaye, Gourcy commune, held an awards ceremony on Saturday, November 22, 2025. At least 46 primary and secondary school students received awards for their continued studies.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the coordinator of the Wend-Zoodo center, Pastor Abraham Sabo, stated that this activity, organized in partnership with Compassion International, aims to promote academic excellence and encourage students who have distinguished themselves by their commitment and determination to pursue their studies despite difficult conditions.

The center's director, Joseph Ouedraogo, explained that the prizes were proposed in consultation with the beneficiaries to address their actual needs. The prizes included bicycles, bicycle spare parts, lamps and solar panels, school kits, food, and clothing, and were distributed to winners from thirteen different schools.

Thanks to a bicycle, Balguissa Ouedraogo, admitted to the second year of secondary school, will be able to travel more easily to the provincial high school in Gourcy, located more than ten kilometers from her village. She encouraged her classmates to redouble their efforts and take their studies seriously, particularly as many are tempted to abandon their studies.

Patoim Sankara, speaking on behalf of the president of the Gourcy special delegation and head of the Gourcy 2 basic education district, congratulated the organizers on their initiative. He noted that it not only helps students remain in the education system but also improves their academic performance.

The Wend-Zoodo center, aside from covering tuition, school supplies, and healthcare for sponsored students, works to empower parents, provide vocational training for young people, ensure child protection, improve sanitation, and more. In total, over 2.5 million CFA francs were raised for this day celebrating excellence.