Zoundwogo: The Place de la Nation in Manga hosted the Christmas celebration for children from the Child and Youth Development Centers (CDEJ) in the Manga cluster on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The event was organized by Compassion International Burkina Faso, in collaboration with partner churches and humanitarian aid organizations.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony, presided over by the Secretary General of the province of Zoundwogo, Haoua Oudraogo, representing the High Commissioner, was marked by speeches, musical performances, an exhortation, a time of prayer for the Nation, as well as the symbolic handover of food to the Provincial Directorate in charge of humanitarian action.

In her address, the Secretary General commended the organizers' initiative, noting its contribution to strengthening social cohesion and community spirit through the guidance and education of children. She reiterated that "Christmas is a time for sharing, hope, and love," while urging children to love school and respect their parents and teachers. She also thanked church leaders for their prayers for the return of peace to Burkina Faso.

Speaking on behalf of the Country Director of Compassion International Burkina Faso, the partnership facilitator stated that Compassion's mission is to "free children from poverty in the name of Jesus Christ," through spiritual guidance and concrete actions carried out in partnership with churches, communities, and authorities. He emphasized that every child matters and deserves to be loved, protected, and valued.

Approximately 176 children from 11 CDEJs and the community took part in this celebration, which was also intended as a framework for raising awareness of the values of solidarity, fraternity, and peace.

Among the beneficiaries, Yasmine Ouanga, from the CDEJ BF0170 "Barkbiiga" in Manga, expressed her satisfaction with her participation in the celebration and gratitude to the organizers. "I thank the mentors who guide us and our instructors," she said.

According to the provincial president of the Federation of Evangelical Churches and Missions (FEME), Emmanuel Kafando, this initiative deserves commendation. "I would like to express my sincere thanks to the organizers, particularly Compassion International, the partner churches of the Manga cluster, as well as the administrative authorities present for their constant support," he said.