This initiative aims to instill in second-year students the fundamental values of civic duty, patriotism, discipline and civic responsibility, with a view to training a generation capable of building a sovereign, just and prosperous Senegal, firmly anchored in its republican values.

Colonel Fernand Bienvenue Diatta, commander of the 26th Reconnaissance and Support Battalion (BRA) and representative of the command of Military Zone No. 6, presented this project as “a universal mechanism for promoting civic and patriotic spirit”, particularly among school-age youth.

For this pilot phase, two schools have been selected: Alpha Molo Baldé High School in Kolda and Ibou Diallo High School in Sédhiou. Second-year students at these schools will be supervised by soldiers from the BAT6, BATGEN2 (Kolda) and 26th BRA (Sédhiou) battalions, under the supervision of their respective corps commanders.

According to Colonel Diatta, a detailed action plan will be developed in perfect harmony with the school calendar so as not to disrupt classes.

It includes training modules, practical workshops, awareness-raising activities, and simulation sessions focused on civics and patriotism. The number of participants will be determined by the academy inspectorates of the two regions, in consultation with the management of the establishments concerned.

This project is part of a stated desire to strengthen the Army-Nation bond, by positioning the Defense Forces as partners in education and civic development. "The Army will implement all necessary means to ensure the success of this collaboration," assured Colonel Diatta.

Mame Diarra Samb, president of the school government at Ibou Diallo High School, hailed it as "a unique opportunity for students to better understand their role in society." "This project will contribute to building a more responsible and engaged youth," she said.

The Sédhiou academy inspector, Cheikh Yabo Diop, welcomed "an innovative and structuring initiative", calling for the identification of resource persons and the definition of a clear roadmap to guarantee the effectiveness of the program.

According to Mr. Diop, if this pilot phase proves conclusive, the "Waajal Xale Yi" program could be extended to other regions of the country, with the ambition of establishing civic and patriotic education as a pillar of the Senegalese education system.