Tuy: The Child and Youth Development Centers (CDEJ) of the Hound© cluster, with the support of NGO Compassion International Burkina, celebrated the Day of the African Child on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Hound©. The theme for the event was "Equitable access to water, sanitation and hygiene: a fundamental right for every child".
According to Burkina Information Agency, the celebration brought together members of the 14 CDEJs (Children's Rights Education Committees) in the Hound© cluster and several community leaders at Bethel 1 Church in Karaba, Hound©. The event featured songs, dance performances, and skits addressing children's rights to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Speaking at the event, the chairman of the organizing committee, Sieni Romaric Gnoumou, expressed that the day aimed to raise awareness about the challenges related to access to water and sanitation. He thanked the organizing committee members and partners for their support.
Comrade Gnoumou urged policymakers to speed up investments in basic infrastructure, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. Children's representative, Naomi Liehoun, supported this initiative, emphasizing the need for water and sanitation infrastructure in villages and schools to ensure access to clean water and adequate toilets. She also encouraged peers to protect water sources, practice handwashing, and maintain school facilities.
Representing the country director of Compassion International Burkina Faso, partnership facilitator Brice Bicaba expressed satisfaction at participating in the celebration. He stated that the commemoration was an opportunity to reflect on the living conditions of children and young people within communities. Bicaba emphasized that access to water, sanitation, and hygiene is a priority for Compassion International Burkina Faso. He called on community leaders, educators, and citizens to collaborate in meeting this challenge.
The event's patron, Denis Botoni, congratulated the Federation of Evangelical Churches of Tuy and the CDEJ for organizing the social and educational activity. He stated that the Day of the African Child invites reflection on children's situations and a renewed commitment to their fundamental rights. Botoni reiterated that access to clean water and hygiene should not be discriminated against and expressed hope for sustainable actions toward children's well-being.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic presentation of electrical and hairdressing installation kits donated by the Evangelical Churches, in partnership with Compassion International Burkina Faso. Twenty-seven young people received training in trades, including electricity, welding, carpentry, auto and motorcycle mechanics, hairdressing, weaving, and more.