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(September 2007) During celebrations for International Literacy Day, First Lady Chantal Compaoré decorated two organizations with the Academic Laurels for literacy. Receiving the awards were Director André Aguila on behalf of SIL Burkina Faso and General Director Boureima Ouedraogo on behalf of ANTBA (Association Nationale pour la Traduction de la Bible et l'Alphabétisation)
The awards recognize significant literacy contributions by each organization to minority languages in Burkina Faso. First Lady Chantal Compaoré sponsored the 18 September event and addressed those in attendance. The Minister of Literacy and Non-Formal Education was the main speaker.
SIL works in Burkina Faso under an agreement with the High Level Education and Research Ministry. To date, it has conducted linguistic research in 19 of Burkina’s 66 languages. Worldwide, SIL International works with language communities to facilitate language-based development through research, advocacy, literacy and training.
As a nongovernmental organization, SIL has special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations and with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Top: General Director Boureima Ouedraogo of ANTBA receives the award from First Lady Chantal Compaoré. Left: SIL Burkina Director André Aguila, from France, receives the award on behalf of SIL.
