Ouagadougou: The official closing ceremony of the 2025 Patriotic Immersion in the Kadiogo region took place at the Ouagadougou municipal stadium, marking the end of an intensive month of civic initiation for 20,000 high school graduates.
According to Burkina Information Agency, nearly 20,000 new high school graduates in the Kadiogo region gathered for this grand conclusion. The participants celebrated the end of a month of training based on the values of patriotism, civic-mindedness, social cohesion, and a sense of sacrifice.
The ceremony was attended by a government delegation that included the Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs, Brigadier General Celestin Simpore, and the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Professor Adjima Thiombiano. Brigadier General Simpore highlighted that the participants' demonstration of commitment is proof that Burkina has young patriots who are aware and committed to working for the benefit of the homeland. He noted that they received the necessary patriotic training in alignment with the directives of President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore.
Participant Doria Zongo from the Sig-Nooghin Municipal High School mentioned that the immersion fostered solidarity and enhanced physical abilities and sociability among participants. Ouedraogo Abdoul Aziz emphasized learning self-defense techniques and how to respond to terrorist threats, which he deemed crucial given Burkina Faso's current situation. Another participant, a Congo-Sanata resident, reflected on the awareness and compassion developed for those living in difficult conditions.
The Patriotic Immersion program, launched on August 9, 2025, involved young high school graduates across all regions of the country. In Kadiogo, 20,000 participants were divided into 46 sections. Instituted by the government on May 2, 2025, this compulsory program is a prerequisite for high school graduates before entering higher education, targeting students admitted to CAP, BEP, BEPC, and the baccalaureate.