Plan's rights promotion awarded in Burkina Faso
Plan Burkina Faso team members at the awards ceremony
10 December 2009: Plan Burkina Faso’s Country Director Dr. Mahamadou Tounkara was awarded the “Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Burkinabè” (Knight of Burkinabè Merit Order) in Ouagadougou, the capital city, to recognise Plan’s action in promoting human and children’s rights in the country.
The knighthood is a decoration given by the government to individuals and institutions to acknowledge their devotion to particular causes with commendable results.
In Burkina Faso, Plan works to ensure children can access their rights to survival, development, protection and participation through a variety of programmes and projects, which are helping to provide them with birth certificates, quality basic education, safe drinking water, the ability to take part in decisions that affect their lives and other needs.
This award took place in light of the 61st anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10th December, and came as a result of a unanimous decision taken by a panel of officials from various government ministries, distinguishing Plan as an outstanding organisation in promoting and upholding human rights.
When asked how he felt about his award, Dr Mahamadou Tounkara said: “This is recognition for the quality of our contribution to the protection and development of children…This is your award, OUR [Plan’s] award.”
