Yargo, December 20, 2025 — The commune of Yargo recently celebrated a transformative milestone as 60 determined women officially completed intensive vocational training sessions supported by NGO Smiling World Inc. This initiative, which builds upon the entrepreneurship foundations laid in 2024, focused on three vital local industries: soap-making, Soumbala production, and Shea butter processing. Over three days of rigorous, hands-on learning, 60 members of local women’s organizations and cooperatives transitioned from learners to producers. Divided into three specialized cohorts, the participants mastered technical production methods and received essential equipment and raw materials to kickstart their ventures.

On October 13, 2025, as part of our "Support for Young Girls in the Education System" (AJF/E) initiative, we achieved a significant milestone with the installation of a hybrid solar-powered pump and a 5,000L water storage system at the Kanougou school complex. This infrastructure is the backbone of a new school garden designed to transform the educational experience for both primary and secondary students. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, the project enhances school nutrition and equips students—particularly young girls—with essential culinary and entrepreneurial skills. Our goal is to foster a high-quality learning environment that not only feeds the body but also prepares the next generation for successful socio-professional integration through sustainable, income-generating activities.

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.

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 from July 22 to July 24. 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.

On July 20, 2024, Smiling World proudly hosted a highly successful Awareness Day for the women of Yargo, bringing together members of women’s organizations and cooperative societies to explore and promote women’s entrepreneurship. This event, graciously hosted in the commune of Yargo, reflects Smiling World’s unwavering commitment to empowering women economically and socially.

Ceremony for the reception of our partnership agreement with the government of Burkina Faso, organized by the DGCOOP (Direction Générale de la Coopération), the regulatory body overseeing partnerships between international NGOs and the government of Burkina Faso.