Six girls, winners of the 2nd edition of the national ‘Elite Mathematics’ competition, received on Thursday school kits, tablets, scholarships ranging from 75,000 to 180,000 FCFA and trophies from the Maison Arc-en-ciel association, promoter of the competition.

Three winners of the ‘Elite Mathematics’ competition in the post-primary category and three others in the secondary category received their prizes, which included school kits, tablets, computers and scholarships ranging from 75,000 to 180,000 FCFA.

Cissé Aqilla Emmanuela and Kossongonona Ervine, both from Saint Jean-Baptiste de la Salle College, occupy the first places respectively in the post-primary and secondary categories.

Barro Yé Hanifat from the Bobo National High School and Nikèma Claire from the Tim-Tim High School in the Bazèga province came 2nd and 3rd respectively in the post-primary category, while Sawadogo Stéphanie from the Kaya Regional Scientific High School came 2nd and Djia Fatima from the National Scientific High School came 3rd
, in the secondary category.

According to the coordinator of the Maison Arc-en-ciel association, Hamado Derra, the organization of the competition was born from the desire to encourage girls to take an interest in scientific subjects in general and mathematics in particular.

Mr. Derra said he was satisfied with the enthusiasm generated by this 2nd edition of the competition.

“We received more than 100 applications from 10 regions of Burkina Faso,” he said.

For the technical advisor to the Minister in charge of National Education, Barthélémy Badiel, the ministry appreciates and supports this initiative which promotes scientific subjects among girls.

He said he was convinced that with such initiatives, there will be many women scientists in Burkina Faso.

The sponsor, Dr Olivia Solange Congo/Zagaré, for her part indicated that she had agreed to support this initiative to show that girls can also excel in scientific subjects.

“I am very happy to have received these awards this morning and I thank all my su
pervisors who inspire me a lot in mathematics,” said the winner, Kossongonona Ervine, for whom the secret of maths is work.

To participate in the national ‘Elite Mathematics’ competition, the candidate must have 15/20 for the post-primary category and 14/20 for the secondary category.

Source: Burkina Information Agency