Kaya: The closing ceremony of the mandatory patriotic immersion took place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Kaya parade square. Chaired by the Governor of the region, the ceremony brought together administrative, military, and paramilitary authorities, as well as parents and the “immersed” young people.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event was held in an atmosphere of pride for a challenge met and for tangible results. The ceremony in the Koulse region featured speeches, a first aid demonstration, a symbolic presentation of certificates, and a parade of the immersed.
Colonel-Major Z. Blaise Ouedraogo, Governor of the Koulse region and regional president of the patriotic immersion, addressed the young high school graduates, marking the official end of their immersion. He emphasized that their real mission was just beginning, noting their demonstrated ability to adapt to a new environment. He expressed confidence that the young graduates are now citizens aware of current and future challenges and capable of participating in the fight against terrorism.
The Colonel-Major reminded them of their role as ambassadors of patriotic values, models of discipline, and resilience. He urged the young patriots to reject enslavement and embrace the freedom and sovereignty of Burkina Faso. Praising the commitment of stakeholders who contributed to the success of this first edition, he acknowledged the central role of their management skills in the immersion process.
Natewende Achille Ouedraogo, spokesperson for the submerged, paid tribute to the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, for the initiative, and expressed gratitude to all supervisors for their support. He assured that the young patriots are ready and determined to defend the country’s vital interests.
Janvier Zougmore, spokesperson for the supervisors, highlighted that the students received essential modules on Burkina Faso’s history, civics and ethics, environmental protection, and first aid, alongside 30 days of community life and physical exercises.
The head of the educational support department of the regional directorate of post-primary and secondary education noted that the immersion students are not only high school graduates but standard-bearers who have cultivated values of work, discipline, solidarity, and integrity.
The ceremony concluded with a parade in pouring rain, where the young patriots demonstrated their pride in participating in the patriotic immersion, marching in front of their families and authorities.