Burkina Faso Embassy Celebrates Children’s Day In Grand Style.
By Anglebert Bonkoungou
The Embassy of Burkina Faso in Abuja hosted the annual Burkinabè Children’s Day, a vibrant celebration aimed at fostering patriotism and cultural awareness among Burkinabè children residing in Nigeria. The event, which has been held annually since 2019, took place on saturday, 24th August, 2024. Mr Eric Bonkoungou, First Counsellor in his opening speech remarked that , the event was the grand finale of weeks of activities designed to connect young participants with their heritage.
This year’s celebration, under the theme “Patriotism and Social Cohesion: A Factor of Peace and Development,” brought together Burkinabè children living in Abuja. The initiative, originally limited to the children of Embassy diplomats, has expanded since 2021 to include children from the broader Burkinabè community in Nigeria, reflecting the growing importance of providing a platform for cultural connection.
During the event, children engaged in a variety of activities, including cooking traditional Burkinabè dishes, practicing ballet to Burkinabè music, and participating in a team dance competition. The highlight of the celebration was a closing ceremony attended by parents, Embassy staff, and invited guests, where the children showcased their newfound knowledge and skills through performances of ballet, poetry, and culinary displays.
The event’s objectives were clear: to deepen the children’s understanding of Burkinabè culture, instill values of civic responsibility and patriotism, and create a space where education and entertainment could seamlessly merge.
His excellency, Pascal Passida Gouba, the ambassador of Burkina Faso in Abuja expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success, highlighting the importance of such gatherings in nurturing future generations who are not only proud of their Burkinabè heritage but are also prepared to contribute positively to society. The embassy plans to continue this tradition, ensuring that each year, Burkinabè children in Nigeria have the opportunity to celebrate their culture and build lasting connections with their homeland.
