Personal commitment under the cross: Werkself professional Edmond Tapsoba founded the Fondation Edmond Tapsoba in his home country of #BurkinaFaso. The defender’s foundation, based in Ouagadougou, has set itself the goal of sustainably supporting people in various areas of life. The focus of the measures is on disadvantaged children, older people, homeless people, victims of violence, people with serious illnesses, refugees and people with disabilities.
The starting signal was given in Ouagadougou last week, and Edmond Tapsoba, the initiator, spoke at a press conference on the occasion. During a celebratory opening ceremony, a donation of numerous food packages was handed over to the mayor. In an interview with bayer04.de, the Burkinabe international spoke about his motivation, goals and wishes for his own project.
Edmond, what was the reason and motivation for you to set up a foundation?
Tapsoba: The political unrest in Burkina Faso that has existed for many years has resulted in many people finding themselves in a humanitarian emergency. That’s why I wanted to make at least a small contribution to help in my home country. Because in my opinion everyone should have the opportunity to meet their basic needs. It was a long bureaucratic path, but since February 2024 we have now been legally recognized as a foundation. We have drawn up statutes, opened a bank account, set up an office, hired qualified staff and finally defined the areas of responsibility and now the time has finally come.
What goals do you pursue with your daily work?
Tapsoba: We work closely with local authorities, partner organizations and the people themselves so that our help is ultimately tailored to the specific needs of each community. We want to overcome exactly the challenges that people face in everyday life: these include access to education, health care, food security, integration or social and financial stability. Through our practical, emotional and material support, our aim is not to offer quick help, but rather to create lasting changes and structures on site so that not only current but also future generations can benefit.
What sub-projects have you already been able to implement?
Tapsoba: We are currently in the process of implementing some measures in schools. Specifically, for example, we donate school pencil cases with pens, but also other important equipment that numerous children can use every day in the next school year, which starts in October.
What does the foundation mean to you?
#Tapsoba: By establishing the foundation, I as a person can express my love for my home country and give something back. By promoting access to education, healthcare, promoting diversity and combating discrimination, we help build a more socially just society. From my point of view, it would be desirable if everyone had the same opportunities in life.
#philanthropy #bayer #africa #germany
