Zondoma: The closing ceremony of the Citizen Universities (UNIC), organized by the Rural World Association (AMR), took place at the association’s headquarters in Gourcy. The event was chaired by the Secretary General of Zondoma Province, Anatole Pengdwend© Kabor©.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the 8th edition of the Citizen Universities (UNICs) commenced on August 7, 2025, under the theme “Young leaders for change: Strengthening community leadership for protection and well-being in Faso.” The program concluded its activities on August 2, 2025, in Gourcy.
During the thirty-day program, thirty-one participants were trained on various themes, including leadership, civics and citizenship, hygiene, entrepreneurship, and practical production activities such as soilless cultivation, detergent manufacturing, and local juice production. These activities were aimed at empowering participants to become responsible and autonomous individuals who can contribute to the development of Burkina Faso.
The AMR, represented by National Coordinator Amadou Wangr©, expressed satisfaction with the event’s success despite challenges posed by limited resources due to the withdrawal of some financial partners. Mr. Wangr© thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the event’s success.
In his address, Secretary General Anatole Pengdwend© Kabor© expressed gratitude to the AMR for organizing the event, emphasizing its role in promoting civic education among young people. He encouraged participants to become ambassadors of civic duty, responsibility, and dialogue, highlighting that true leadership begins with small, everyday actions.
Reine Hortense Zoungrana, representing the participants, acknowledged the quality and significance of the knowledge gained. She committed, on behalf of her peers, to reinvest this knowledge and strive to be role models for their classmates who could not attend the session.
The closing ceremony featured a visit and sale of products made by participants and the presentation of prizes to those who excelled in courses and artistic performances during the cultural night held at the end of the training.
The Citizen Universities (UNIC) are organized biennially by the AMR as part of its local governance program. The initiative aims to contribute to the civic education and responsible citizenship of young people from young leaders’ clubs established in secondary education institutions within its coverage area.