Côte d'Ivoire's First Lady, Dominique Ouattara, launched the national distribution of 15,000 school kits on September 24, 2026, at the headquarters of the Children of Africa Foundation in Cocody. The kits, which include school bags, textbooks, and stationery, aim to support families during the 2026-2027 academic year and improve learning conditions for children. The ceremony was attended by Education Minister Koffi N'Guessan, Cocody Mayor Jean-Marc Yacé, teachers, parents, and students from the Cocody-Sud school group.
The Children of Africa Foundation also donated equipment and food for school canteens, outdoor and indoor games for young children, and furniture for teachers. The total value of the donations is estimated at 200 million CFA francs. Additionally, a 5 million CFA franc envelope was handed out to students, teachers, and parents present at the ceremony. The First Lady emphasized the foundation's commitment to education, which has been a major focus area for the organization since its inception 28 years ago.
Dominique Ouattara stated that the foundation prioritizes supporting families during the back-to-school season to ensure every child can return to school in good conditions. She praised teachers for their role in shaping future generations and encouraged students to prioritize academic success. Education Minister Koffi N'Guessan commended the foundation's engagement in education and child welfare, highlighting its contributions beyond distributing school supplies.
Minister N'Guessan cited examples of the foundation's initiatives, including the Mère-Enfant Hospital in Bingerville, schools, and child protection structures. He emphasized that the distribution of school kits helps reduce the financial burden on vulnerable families and promotes equal opportunities. N'Guessan also noted that this initiative aligns with the government's strategic vision 2021-2030 for education and exemplifies a partnership between the state, private sector, and local authorities.
Cocody Mayor Jean-Marc Yacé and Kato Essui Koffi Armel, president of the COGES of the Cocody-Sud school group, welcomed the initiative and thanked the First Lady for her support. On behalf of the beneficiaries, student Aké Danho Fatima expressed gratitude to the foundation for its generosity. The event was a testament to the foundation's ongoing efforts to improve education and support families in Côte d'Ivoire.
The distribution of school kits is part of the foundation's annual activities to support the education sector. Over the years, the organization has made significant contributions to education, healthcare, and child welfare in Côte d'Ivoire. The foundation's efforts have positively impacted thousands of children and families across the country.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to supporting education and promoting equal opportunities for all children in Côte d'Ivoire. The First Lady and other stakeholders emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society to achieve sustainable development in the education sector.
Key points
- The Children of Africa Foundation distributed 15,000 school kits to students across Côte d'Ivoire.
- The initiative aims to support families during the 2026-2027 academic year and improve learning conditions for children.
- The total value of the donations is estimated at 200 million CFA francs.
