The Ministry of National Education, Literacy, and Technical Education (MENAET) in Côte d'Ivoire has begun preparations for a national rollout of a school theater project. On November 4, 2026, in Yamoussoukro, the ministry convened a meeting to introduce the initiative and outline practical arrangements for a national tour of the play "L'École des Vertus". This project aims to revitalize theater in schools across the country.
The initiative follows a commitment made by N'Guessan Koffi at the closing of the 14th edition of the Abidjan Spectacle Arts Market (MASA 2026) to redynamize theater in Ivorian schools. The play "L'École des Vertus", written and directed by Diallo Ticouai Vincent, will be a key component of this project. It addresses issues such as substance abuse in schools and promotes responsible behavior and social cohesion.
The meeting in Yamoussoukro brought together representatives from the MENAET, decentralized ministry structures, cultural actors, and technical partners. Discussions focused on identifying host schools, assessing logistical needs, and defining a coordination and monitoring mechanism for the national tour. The project seeks to contribute to the civic and integral formation of learners.
According to Traoré, under-director of the School Life Directorate, theater is an "school of speech and courage" and a powerful tool for education and awareness. The play "L'École des Vertus" features students from general and technical education facing these challenges. It is designed as a complementary pedagogical tool to encourage responsible behavior and promote values that favor academic success and social cohesion.
The project is supervised by the Minister's cabinet and implemented by the School Life Directorate (DVS) and the Communication and Audiovisual Production Directorate (DCPA). The national tour aims to promote citizenship, discipline, responsibility, and social cohesion among students. By using theater as an educational tool, the ministry hopes to address risky behaviors in schools.
The play's themes and messages are expected to resonate with students and encourage positive change. By engaging with the arts, students can develop essential life skills, including critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression. The ministry's initiative has the potential to make a lasting impact on Ivorian education and society.
The national rollout of "L'École des Vertus" is a significant step towards achieving the ministry's goals. With careful planning and execution, this project can contribute to a more comprehensive and engaging education system in Côte d'Ivoire. The ministry's efforts to promote arts education and address social issues in schools are expected to yield positive results.
Key points
- The Ministry of National Education in Côte d'Ivoire has launched a project to relaunch school theater nationwide, starting with the play "L'École des Vertus".
