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.

Cultivating Futures: How a Solar-Powered Garden is Transforming Education in Kanougou

March 1, 2026
Education is about more than just textbooks; it’s about providing students with the tools to thrive in the real world. On October 13, 2025, our "Support for Young Girls in the Education System" (AJF/E) initiative took a massive leap forward with a sustainable new project at the Kanougou school complex. We are thrilled to announce the successful installation of a hybrid solar-powered pump and a 5,000L water storage system. While it might look like just pipes and tanks, this infrastructure is actually the heartbeat of a brand-new school garden that is set to change the lives of both primary and secondary students. Why a Garden Matters In many regions, the gap between classroom theory and real-world application can be wide. By integrating a functional garden into the curriculum, we are achieving four major goals: Practical Learning: Students move beyond the chalkboard to engage in hands-on agricultural production. Better Nutrition: The produce grown here will directly support the school canteen, ensuring students have the energy they need to focus and learn. Empowering Young Girls: A core focus of the AJF/E project is engaging girls in culinary arts and nutritional education, helping them master skills that offer both personal and professional value. Entrepreneurship: By introducing students to income-generating activities (IGA), we are planting the seeds for future socio-professional success and financial independence. Sustainability at the Core By using hybrid solar technology, we’ve ensured that this project is as environmentally friendly as it is impactful. The 5,000L "Polytank" ensures a steady water supply for the crops even during dry spells, making the garden a year-round classroom for innovation. Looking Ahead Our mission is to create a high-quality learning environment that feeds the body while fueling the mind. As these crops grow, so too will the confidence and skills of the Kanougou students. We aren't just growing vegetables; we are growing the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals

Empowering the Women of Yargo: A New Chapter in Local Entrepreneurship

March 1, 2026
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. From Theory to Market Mastery 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. Speaking on behalf of the graduates, the participant representative expressed a bold vision: "We intend to conquer the markets of our commune and beyond." While celebrating their new skills, the participants also looked toward the future, requesting continued support in equipment and advanced training to further refine their products for the competitive market. A Pillar of National Development The closing ceremony highlighted the broader impact of this project. With women making up more than 52% of the population in Burkina Faso, their economic independence is not just a personal victory—it is a national necessity. The official closing remarks emphasized that this collaboration with Smiling World Inc. directly aligns with the national ambition to empower women as key drivers of local development. By mastering the valuation of non-timber forest products and professionalizing their Income-Generating Activities (IGA), these women are now equipped to lead "endogenous development"—growth that starts from within the community. Looking Ahead to 2026 As the sessions drew to a close, the air was filled with gratitude and festive spirit. With their new certificates and tools in hand, the women of Yargo return to their families not just as caregivers, but as skilled entrepreneurs ready to fuel the local economy. As we move into the new year, Smiling World Inc. remains committed to fostering this spirit of resilience and self-sufficiency, ensuring that the seeds planted in Yargo continue to flourish across the region.