Reception of Smiling World's partnership agreement with the government of Burkina Faso through the DGCOOP
December 18, 2023

On Thursday, December 14, 2023, the official partnership agreement reception ceremony took place in the meeting room of the DGCOOP (Direction Générale pour la Coopération). Presided over by the Director of Cooperation and attended by other directors, it was graced by representatives from NGOs, Development Associations (AD), and Foundations. 

Opening speech of the Director of Cooperation

He welcomed the participants and thanked the heads of NGOs, Development Associations, and Foundations for their active involvement in Burkina Faso's social, cultural, and economic development. He emphasized that their contributions reduce the vulnerability of populations across diverse sectors (health, education, agriculture, livestock, employment, etc.).


He stressed their significant commitment to implementing the National Economic and Social Development Plan PNDES  and other public policies, urging them to abide by the legal framework governing NGOs, Development Associations, and Foundations to avoid suspension or revocation.


Acknowledging the challenging context, the Director highlighted the government's anticipation of substantial contributions from NGOs, Development Associations, and Foundations. These contributions are greatly anticipated and are expected to build a dynamic partnership for the benefit of the country's populace.


Before concluding, the Director celebrated the valuable contribution of twenty (20) NGOs, Development Associations, and Foundations, foreseeing a portfolio of forty (40) billion CFA francs over the next five (05) years for Burkina Faso.


Brief presentation of NGOs by their respective leaders
After formally opening the ceremony, the floor was given to the heads of various NGOs, Development Associations, and Foundations, including the 13 new organizations, who presented their organizations. Each representative outlined their missions, intervention domains, areas of operation, and ongoing investment program activities. Notably, Mrs. Issata KAGAMBEGA, the Country Representative of SMILING WORLD INC, presented the organization with enthusiasm and assurance, receiving warm applause as the sole female leader among the NGOs, Development Associations, and Foundations present at the ceremony.


Delivery of establishment conventions

Each representative of NGOs, Development Associations, and Foundations received their establishment convention, duly recorded and signed by the Director-General of Cooperation. It is noteworthy that this sequence was extensively documented with photographs.


Closing speech by Mr. the Director-General of Cooperation

The closing session featured valuable advice, encouragement, and congratulations from the Director-General of Cooperation:


Advice: The DGCOOP urged the heads of NGOs, Development Associations, and Foundations to comply promptly with regulations, ensuring legal and transparent management. He specified several requirements, including compliance with the 064/2015/CNT law on freedom of associations in Burkina Faso, adherence to their respective structure's fundamental texts, production of visibility documents for their structure, submission of the previous year's activity report, completion of data collection forms to be submitted to the DGCOOP, and collaboration among organizations working in similar domains.


Encouragement and congratulations: The DGCOOP encouraged the heads of NGOs, Development Associations, and Foundations to persevere in their patriotic endeavors despite the prevailing security and humanitarian challenges and scarce resources. He conveyed heartfelt congratulations for their achievements that positively impact the population's lives and enhance their resilience.


In concluding his speech, the Director expressed gratitude to all attendees for their presence, affirming the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Prospective's readiness to support NGOs, Development Associations, and Foundations in their developmental mission.

Empowering Girls Through Education: Smiling World Inc. Distributes School Kits in Kanougou, Burkina Faso

February 9, 2025
On Friday, January 10, 2025, a heartwarming event took place in Kanougou, a rural community in Yargo, Kourittenga Province, Burkina Faso. Smiling World Inc., through its “Supporting Girls in Education” project, distributed school kits to 50 young girls from the Collège d'Enseignement Général (CEG). This initiative is part of Smiling World’s 2023-2027 Investment Program, aimed at empowering young girls by providing them with the resources they need to succeed in school. A Community United for Education The ceremony was held under the patronage of the President of the Special Delegation of Yargo and was attended by key figures, including the Provincial Director of Secondary, Vocational, and Technical Education of Kourittenga, the Traditional Leader of Kanougou, the Director of CEG, local government officials, teachers, school administrators, parents, members of the Parent-Teacher Association (APE) and School Management Committee (COGES), the President of the Village Development Council (CVD), as well as students and community members who gathered in support of the initiative. Why This Initiative Matters In Burkina Faso, many young girls face challenges in accessing quality education due to financial and social barriers. Smiling World Inc. is committed to breaking these barriers by equipping students with the essential tools they need to thrive academically. The distribution of school kits not only provides immediate support but also sends a powerful message: every girl deserves the opportunity to learn and achieve her dreams. Looking Ahead This event marks a significant milestone in Smiling World’s mission to promote girls' education. By investing in school supplies, mentorship, and community engagement, we are ensuring that more young girls stay in school, gain confidence, and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. We extend our gratitude to all the dignitaries, educators, parents, and community members who supported this event. Your involvement is crucial in creating lasting change. Join Us in Empowering Girls Through Education Your support can help even more girls access the education they deserve. Consider donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about Smiling World Inc.’s work. Together, we can make a difference!

Empowering Women Leaders in Koupela: Smiling World's Leadership Training

September 18, 2024
At Smiling World, we believe that empowering women is essential to building thriving communities. As part of our ongoing commitment to gender equality and sustainable development in Burkina Faso, we recently held a transformative leadership training session in Koupela. This initiative is a key component of our 2023-2027 Investment Program, designed to equip women with the tools and knowledge they need to take on leadership roles within their communities and beyond. Why This Training Matters Women make up over 52% of the population in Burkina Faso and play a vital role in the nation’s development. However, they often face significant challenges that limit their ability to contribute fully to their communities. These challenges include limited resources, poverty, low education levels, and entrenched socio-cultural prejudices that restrict their participation in decision-making processes. Additionally, women often struggle to access leadership positions and face barriers when it comes to engaging in civic and political life. Recognizing these challenges, Smiling World is taking proactive steps to address the leadership gap. Our training session in Koupela aimed to break down these barriers and empower women to become agents of change within their communities. Training Highlights The session brought together 40 women leaders from various organizations in the commune of Koupela, providing them with practical knowledge and leadership skills. The training was organized around seven key modules, each designed to build leadership capacity and foster a deeper understanding of the critical roles women can play in their communities. The modules covered: Understanding Leadership Concepts: Participants explored the fundamental concepts of leadership, management, and the intersection of gender in leadership roles. Styles of Leadership and Management: Women were introduced to different leadership styles, including democratic, autocratic, and collegial approaches, and learned how to choose the best style for different situations. Characteristics of Female Leadership in Burkina Faso: The session focused on the current state of female leadership in the country and highlighted strategies to increase women’s participation in decision-making. Qualities of a Female Leader: Participants discussed the essential qualities of successful leaders, such as emotional intelligence, charisma, and social virtues. The Role of Female Leaders in Local Development: This module emphasized how women leaders can drive cultural, social, and economic development in their communities. Key Roles of Female Leaders in Society: Women were trained to take on roles as communicators, team builders, facilitators, and agents of change in their communities. Functions of a Female Leader: Practical guidance was provided on how to plan, organize, lead, and manage women-led organizations effectively. Our Vision for the Future This leadership training is part of a broader vision to create lasting change in Burkina Faso by empowering women to step into leadership roles at the local, community, and national levels. By providing these women with the necessary tools and knowledge, we are fostering a generation of female leaders who will contribute significantly to the development of their communities and the country as a whole. The participants left the training equipped with new skills, renewed confidence, and a network of support that will help them navigate their leadership journeys. We are confident that the impact of this training will extend far beyond the individuals involved, as these women take their newfound knowledge and apply it within their organizations, families, and communities. Looking Ahead Smiling World is committed to continuing this important work. This training session is just the beginning, and we plan to extend our reach to more women across Burkina Faso in the coming years. By investing in women, we are investing in the future of our communities, our country, and our world. Stay tuned for more updates on our work and the incredible impact these women will have as they rise to leadership in their communities.
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