My Faso Mêbo experience

In August 2025, I went to the Faso Mêbo holiday camp in Ouagadougou. It was my first time participating to such an activity. Even though it wasn’t easy, I still made it. Discover how my experience has been.

What is Faso Mêbo holiday camp?

It is a program by the Burkina Faso government for children aged 10 to 15. It was launched by the President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. It aims to train young people to become disciplined, civic-minded citizens who are able to contribute to development of their country. I was lucky to be among the few to be selected and be on the very first cohort.

At Faso Mêbo holiday camp

I received a military uniform, including a hat and some boots as well. We had to wear it at the camp. Each morning, dad dropped me at the camp. Days started with the national anthem and flag raising. There was a special anthem for AES (Alliance of Sahel States). After flag-raising, we stayed waited on the ground before moving again to other sites. Waiting for that long was internal pain. When we moved, it was for activities on the camp and to have lunch. We were divided into 5 groups. I was in group 4. Trainings were on discipline. We learned how to make road paving stones. We also learned how to salute the adult military teachers. We had to do it every time they came to talk to us. We also did drawings and paintings.

My friend at the camp

I made a friend at the camp. His name is Mr. Dermé. On the second day of the camp, he came to speak to me. He was a retired military warrior. He used to give me candies from time to time as encouragement. The other participants were always calling me MAIGA, and I did not like it. I liked to be called Adam.

Unexpected break

During lunch at the camp, I drank quite a lot of bissap (hibiscus) juice and I enjoyed it. At night, on the third day, I got sick. I had to go to the clinic. I was on IV drip and stayed overnight. I had to stay home for three days and missed the camp.

Completing the program

When I got better, I went back to the camp. This was the best part for me. We went on tours in a police bus. The first tour was at the Thomas Sankara memorial, where we saw his statue. The second tour was to meet the President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. We left at 5:00 in the morning. It was raining so much that day. The bus stopped quite far from the Presidency of Burkina Faso, and we did the military march until there. We met with the President. He took a photo with each kid. I also took a picture with a horse and a police motorcycle.

Once in a lifetime experience

The Faso Mêbo holiday camp was hard physically but it has been a good experience. I received a certificate at the end of the 10 days during a ceremony. I wish the best to the next participants!