Palm Foundation Supports Warc-en-Ciel: Education and Culture in Burkina Faso

Bridge between Schorndorf and Ouagadougou

The TAM projects are initiated by musician and artist Ezéchial Nikiema (34), who comes from Burkina Faso and now lives in Dresden. Nikiema is co-founder and chairman of the association, studied German language and literature and is currently working on his doctorate. Above all, however, he is a bridge builder between Germany and the country near the African Sahel region.

 “I grew up here and experienced as a child what it means to have no reliable access to education,” says Nikiema.

This experience shaped him and gave rise to an early desire to launch his own educational and cultural projects.

How the Palm Foundation and TAM Came fit together

What began as an artistic initiative has grown into a broadly positioned association. On site, the projects are implemented by APECA (Association for the Promotion of Education, Culture and Arts & Crafts); the local partner organization is deeply rooted in the communities. Nikiema supports the work both from Germany and on the ground – organizationally and conceptually. He describes himself as someone who understands culture not only as a form of expression, but as a tool to initiate social processes.

The connection to the Palm Foundation came through Sven Müller-Röske of Bauwerk Müller-Röske, who has supported TAM since 2021. The Dresden-based entrepreneur introduced the foundation council chairman, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Palm, to the association’s work. What convinced the foundation was the projects’ clear focus: education and participation are at the center – values that align closely with the foundation’s mission. For the Palm Foundation, which is otherwise strongly committed to projects in and around Schorndorf, this represents a deliberate exception.

Music, craftsmanship and self-empowerment

TAM focuses on education, music, arts and crafts, environmental awareness, and female empowerment. Instead of traditional individual sponsorships, the association promotes so-called school partnerships: entire groups and programs are supported.

“We don’t support just one child, but a project that benefits many – that reduces bureaucracy and strengthens community,” says Nikiema.

A key element is the scholarship program, which was restructured in 2024. Currently, 77 children and young people are supported with school fees, materials, tutoring, and, if necessary, healthcare services.

This is complemented by offerings such as computer science classes, theater projects, and musical training designed to fill gaps in the public school system. Nikiema emphasizes that these additional programs are often crucial in helping children and young people develop self-confidence and future prospects.

La Cour Warc-en-Ciel: Culture in the heart of the neighbourhood

An important project location is the cultural center “La Cour Warc-en-Ciel” in Ouagadougou. Here, children and adults from the neighborhood, as well as artists from the city, can use rehearsal spaces, a photo and film studio, workshops, music lessons, concerts, and theater stages. Monthly cultural evenings attract several thousand people – both on site and via livestream.

Craftsmanship, environment and community

“Music, storytelling, and theater are channels through which we can address many people on sensitive topics,” says Nikiema. These include issues such as sexual self-determination, menstrual health, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. Young women in particular are a key focus. Workshops, for example, teach how to produce reusable sanitary pads using simple materials.

In addition to education and culture, vocational training plays a major role. The tailoring program, held six days a week, is especially in demand. Two groups are currently being trained. Participants contribute a small fee – intentionally, to foster appreciation and commitment.

Another initiative is an organic community garden, intended to be cultivated jointly by local residents. It aims to strengthen food security while facilitating knowledge transfer in sustainable agriculture and ecological farming methods.

Working under difficult conditions

All of this takes place under politically difficult circumstances: Burkina Faso is currently governed by a military regime that came to power after several coups, while security and economic conditions remain tense.

Precisely for this reason, Nikiema says, local work is so important. “We cannot solve the major political issues, but we can create spaces where people learn, express themselves, and take responsibility for one another.”

The Project

TAM metaphorically stands for positive energy, action, joy, and precision – derived from a concert expression coined by Ezé Wendtoin. More information about TAM.