The village of Adikokoi in Côte d'Ivoire's Bécouéfin sub-prefecture now boasts a new preschool, "Les Lionceaux," which was inaugurated on October 27, 2026. This development comes courtesy of a partnership between NGO Racines d'enfance and organizations such as Fondation Bel, Compagnie fruitière, and Société de culture bananière (SCB). The preschool's opening was attended by local administrative, educational, and traditional authorities.
According to Adam Esther, SCB's external relations manager and chair of the organizing committee, "Les Lionceaux" aims to provide children from Adikokoi and surrounding areas with a suitable learning environment that fosters growth and development. The preschool comprises an administrative building, three classrooms for different preschool sections, a multipurpose hall that can serve as a cafeteria, and modern, functional sanitation facilities.
Patricia Mowbray, president of Racines d'enfance, highlighted the preschool's unique features, including a vegetable garden that will be maintained by the community. The harvested produce will directly contribute to feeding the children. This approach is expected to not only provide a practical learning experience but also ensure a steady food supply for the students.
Dominique Malézieux, SCB's general director, emphasized the significance of creating conducive learning environments for children. He stated that by providing opportunities for children to learn, grow, and dream, stakeholders are building a more just, healthy, and solidary future for them. This initiative aligns with the organization's broader goals of supporting childhood development and education.
Gohou Brondé, secretary-general of Akoupé prefecture, represented Prefect Ouattara Matenin at the inauguration. He expressed the Ivoirian state's gratitude to the partners for their contribution to establishing this local educational infrastructure. The preschool is the first of its kind in Adikokoi and the second preschool offered by Racines d'enfance in Côte d'Ivoire.
The "Les Lionceaux" preschool project began with a foundation stone-laying ceremony in May 2025. Since then, the project has progressed steadily, culminating in its official opening in October 2026. With this addition, the educational landscape in Adikokoi and surrounding areas is expected to improve, offering more children access to quality early childhood education.
Key stakeholders, including Racines d'enfance, Fondation Bel, Compagnie fruitière, and SCB, have demonstrated their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in Côte d'Ivoire. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in a state-of-the-art preschool that will benefit the local community for years to come.
Key points
- The preschool "Les Lionceaux" was established through a partnership between Racines d'enfance and several organizations.
- The preschool features a vegetable garden that will be maintained by the community to provide food for the children.
- This is the first preschool in Adikokoi and the second one offered by Racines d'enfance in Côte d'Ivoire.
