The Catholic Education department in Côte d'Ivoire's Man diocese has outlined its priorities for the 2026-2027 academic year, focusing on restoring trust in schools by tackling drug use and cheating. At a meeting held on October 3 at the Collège catholique Jean de la Mennais in Man, officials emphasized the need for a concerted effort to address these issues. The theme for the academic year is "No to drugs and cheating to restore trust in a school serving the sustainable transformation of Côte d'Ivoire."
According to the Secretary-General of the Diocesan Catholic Education Office, Father Noël Co Biaka, administrators and educators must make preventing and combating these practices a priority. He urged them to maintain high standards in monitoring students to preserve the credibility of schools and the trust of families. This approach also involves placing human formation on par with academic achievement.
During the back-to-school mass, Father Noël Co Biaka encouraged educators to put students at the heart of their mission and contribute to restoring trust and fostering hope in each learner. He stressed that academic results alone do not guarantee a person's development and that academic difficulties should not hinder students from cultivating generosity and perseverance.
The education department's roadmap was presented to school principals and primary school directors, along with members of the Diocesan Executive Secretariat and the Pedagogical Support Unit. Discussions also centered on working conditions and school development. Wognin Jacques, head of Economic and Legal Affairs, reviewed the financial situation and announced salary increases and ongoing rehabilitation and construction projects initiated in July 2026.
The assembly also honored six retiring staff members and recognized schools for their excellent exam results in the 2026 session, with a 100% pass rate in the CEPE, 95% in the BEPC, and 80% in the baccalauréat. The best school environment award went to the Saint-Benoît de Zouan-Hounien primary school and the Collège catholique Jean de la Mennais in Man.
To achieve its objectives, the Catholic Education department in the Man diocese will focus on human formation and academic excellence. By emphasizing prevention and combating negative practices, officials hope to restore trust in schools and promote a culture of integrity and responsibility among students.
The efforts of the Catholic Education department in the Man diocese reflect a broader commitment to improving education in Côte d'Ivoire. By prioritizing student well-being, academic rigor, and community engagement, educators aim to create a supportive learning environment that fosters the development of capable and responsible individuals.
Key points
- Catholic education officials in Côte d'Ivoire's Man diocese prioritize combating drug use and cheating.
- The diocese aims to restore trust in schools by emphasizing human formation and academic excellence.
- Educators were recognized for their achievements, and retiring staff members were honored.
