Ouagadougou: For the fourth consecutive year, the HOFIO mobile bookstore organized the Book and School Kit Distribution Caravan in Ouagadougou on Saturday. On this occasion, five disadvantaged students received scholarships and 136 others received school kits to continue their education in better conditions.
According to Burkina Information Agency, five children from vulnerable families each received a scholarship worth 50,000 CFA francs, while 136 other students, including 100 from the neighborhood where the bookstore is located and 36 internally displaced persons (IDPs), from CP2 to 1re D, received school kits.
Estelle P. Yameogo, the promoter of the HOFIO bookstore, explained that this gesture aims to give disadvantaged children the opportunity to go to school and succeed. She urged the beneficiaries to be diligent and achieve good results, as a condition for the scholarships to be renewed.
“Work harder, work again and again to meet the challenge of success rates,” she said to the students, while urging parents to support their children in their academic journey.
Under the theme: “Social Media: Impact on the Development of Disadvantaged Children,” this 4th edition was also an opportunity to raise awareness about responsible digital use. Ms. Yameogo indicated that social media can be a source of learning, but also present risks such as cyberbullying and child exploitation. She advocated for the creation of safe and appropriate digital spaces.
In this regard, the HOFIO bookstore plans to provide beneficiaries with tablets, free Wi-Fi access and technological equipment within its library (HOFIOTHEQUE), as well as reinforcement courses.
The representative of the beneficiary students, Mahomed P. Sawadogo, expressed her gratitude in these terms: ‘Through this gesture, you are not only giving us notebooks, pens, rulers, but also a spirit of determination and confidence to go further.’
“The best way to thank you will be to succeed and become responsible citizens tomorrow, capable of helping other children and young people in Burkina Faso,” promised Mr. Sawadogo.
The caravan featured awards, the presentation of book ambassadors, and cultural performances. Former ministers, administrative officials, and traditional leaders participated in the event.
The HOFIO bookstore specializes in the sale and distribution of professional, academic, and school books, as well as scientific and educational materials. It offers physical and digital books for all audiences, particularly children, young people, and all book lovers.