From September 26 to 29, 2024, the National Assembly of Talitha Kum in Burkina Faso was held at the Benedictine monastery of Koubri, near Ouagadougou. Sister Yvonne Clémence Bambara, regional coordinator of Talitha Kum Africa, expressed her great satisfaction and thanked the participants for their mobilization during the Assembly, which brought together young ambassadors and delegates from the regions of Ouagadougou, Ouahigouya, Koudougou, Tenkodogo, Bobo-Dioulasso, Banfora, Diébougou and Gaoua.

The president and treasurer of the office of the Major Superiors of Niger and Burkina, Father Rouamba and Sister Yvonne Kaboré, were also present, and expressed their warm congratulations and support for the work carried out by Talitha Kum. 

The opening ceremony was led by Father Augustin, vice coordinator of Talitha Kum Burkina, in a spirit of prayer. To give new members a better understanding of the network, Sister Yvonne Clémence Bambara gave a presentation on human trafficking, the Talitha Kum network and its activities on the African continent. Sister Nadine also presented the new priorities designated at Talitha Kum's 2nd General Assembly in Rome, namely: systemic change in the face of new vulnerabilities; a holistic, survivor-centered approach; broadening collaboration and partnerships. 

The Assembly was highlighted by several moments of exchange and group reflection, focusing in particular on the activities carried out over the past year and the difficulties encountered, the development of a national action plan for the year 2024-2025, and the creation of a shelter for survivors of trafficking. Our discussions were fruitful and enriching, and together we reaffirmed our commitment to Talitha Kum's mission. The new national coordination team was mandated, and officially formed the youth ambassadors team, entrusting them with the mission of leading our efforts in the fight against human trafficking. We are grateful for the new coordination team, led by Sister Nadine Rasmata, csc, as the new National Coordinator along with Father Georges Ade as the Vice Coordinator. We thanked Sr. Adèle Zoungrana for dedicating her service as the former coordinator of Talitha Kum Burkina Faso for many years.

The national assembly came to a close with a mass presided over by Father Amos, from the Koubri monastery, followed by a dinner and fraternal exchanges. During the mass, each delegation was sent on their mission with a lighted candle, symbolizing the light and hope we are called to bring to the survivors of human trafficking. 

May Saint Bakhita bless all of us. 

Amen

National Secretary

Sr Céline TIAHO