"It all began in 2008, when I worked as a flight crew trainer for Air Burkina, which was then being acquired by the Aga Khan, in the capital, Ouagadougou." Thus begins the story of Cristina Ricci, president of the Italian-German cultural association ACIT and Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Olbia, at the presentation of the upcoming humanitarian mission to Watinoma, scheduled for February. "Coincidentally, just before my departure for Burkina Faso," Ricci continues, "one of my goddaughters, Roxana Rossi, had initiated a long-distance adoption for a little girl, Safitou, who lived in a village near the capital, and so she asked me to look for her. There was probably a predetermined destiny behind that trip, because that encounter, in the village of Watinoma, sparked in me a profound affection for that population." A month after returning to Olbia, she will return to Watinoma with the first aid (a donation of three hundred mats), and today, to continue a legacy of uninterrupted solidarity, Ricci wanted to publicize the project. In the meantime, many others have embraced the cause, including the Berchidda community, the Ozieri Comprehensive Institute, and the Goceano Lions, who this year embraced the project to support the children by providing a significant incentive to study. Along with various benefactors across the island and mainland, approximately 102 students are receiving assistance. Hosted by the Friends of the Simpliciana Civic Library association, Ricci described the village and outlined the next mission, which aims to implement a series of micro-projects and raise funds.
"Last year, at Cristina's suggestion, we organized a charity evening," said Angelo Crabolu of the Goceano Lions, who funded the village school's cafeteria for the entire year. "It was a great satisfaction and a thrill for us to receive the precious artifact they sent us as recognition. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that, to continue these projects, we are organizing the charity evening on January 5th." Among the activities already funded are the symbolic "Coup de pédale" race, which will offer bicycles to reach the school and overcome the enormous difficulties of the distance, and the purchase of various instruments to safeguard the local musical tradition. Two social projects are also planned: the "Champ collectif," which includes the purchase of five donkeys with carts, various equipment, seeds, and fertilizers for cultivating a field in the village, and a "Centre de tissage" dedicated to cotton weaving, of which Burkina Faso is a producer.
"I'm committed to establishing a lasting relationship of solidarity," Ricci concluded. "I hope that in future years, more people will be able to come here because they'll find friends and plenty to do. One goal would be to create an environment where volunteers can settle in for a few months, but the important thing is to highlight the humanity that distinguishes the mission—not an act of charity, but rather support for the educational needs of the community."
