The Governor of the South-West region, Boureima Savadogo, installed the new regional director of preschool, primary and non-formal education on Friday, October 18, 2024 in Gaoua. He replaces Jean Joseph Somda, who will have spent 7 years and 6 months at the head of the regional directorate.
After seven years and six months at the head of the Regional Directorate of Preschool, Primary and Non-Formal Education (DREPPNF) of the South-West, Jean Joseph Somda passes the torch to Sié Palé.
The handover ceremony at the head of the DREPPNF of the South-West took place on Friday, October 18, 2024 in Gaoua, in an atmosphere marked by solemnity.
In his farewell speech, Jean Joseph Somda retraced his career at the head of the DREPPNF.
He looked back on his arrival in May 2017, at a time when the region was facing major crises, ranging from the merger of regional directorates to the Covid-19 pandemic, including the worsening security situation.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Somda expressed pride in leaving a more s
table institution and a more resilient education system.
“We have accomplished our mission with my collaborators, and I thank God for granting me health and wisdom throughout this journey,” he said, paying tribute to the successive ministers and governors of the region who supported him.
He also thanked teachers, supervisors and education partners for their commitment.
Jean Joseph Somda also recalled that, under his leadership, more than 80 of the 115 schools closed due to insecurity were reopened thanks to collaboration with the Defense and Security Forces.
In officially taking office, Palestine Sié Palé pledged to continue the efforts of his predecessor, while sending a message of gratitude to the people of the South-West and education partners for their unwavering support.
“You have charted a path that I am committed to continuing, and I assure you of my willingness to work towards an even more efficient education system,” he said.
Sié Palé warmly congratulated Jean Joseph Somda for his leadership an
d exceptional efforts.
‘Your unwavering dedication has enabled us to achieve remarkable results, even in times of great difficulty,’ Mr. Palé stressed, referring to the fundraising initiative that raised more than 5 million CFA francs for the special patriotic fund.
He also praised the blood donation initiative launched by Jean Joseph Somda in favor of the Blood Transfusion Center, which allowed 300 bags of blood to be collected, an act of solidarity that left its mark.
For his part, the Governor of the South-West, Boureima Savadogo, who chaired the ceremony, praised the work accomplished by the outgoing regional director and encouraged the new director to continue on the same path, with the aim of further improving the educational offer in the region.
The governor recalled the crucial importance of education, particularly in the context of resilience facing the South-West region
Source: Burkina Information Agency