CISM - Conseil International du Sport Militaire - International Military Sports Council

The Delegation of Burkina Faso to CISM implemented the project "Open the Gates of the Barracks and Bring the Children in" on February 12th 2009. The main purpose of the project is to give the under-privileged children a chance to improve their cognitive, social and physical condition by means of sports.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defense, Mr. Yéro Boly, Minister of Human Rights and the representative of the UNICEF in Burkina Faso. One hundred children, from 7 to 17 years old, will be divided into 8 teams and will engage in a competition which will appoint a champion until the end of June.

This project also provides the young with an outlet for a worthwhile utilization of sporting activities rather than hanging around and getting involved in drugs, alcohol, prostitution and other wrong doings.

However, no matter who will win the final match, because in the end this initiative will provide the participating youth with learning experiences that motivates cooperation, sportsmanship spirit, self discipline, loyalty, good peer relationship, sense of responsibility, adherence to rules and regulations, ability to live as well as work harmoniously with others, fairness and stress coping abilities.

The project will therefore enable kids to make a choice for their future, and football can be the best way to reach this goal.