A delegation from the French Embassy in Comoros, led by political advisor André Blanchard, visited the Center for Animation and Cultural Development (Cadc) in Domoni ya Mbadjini on September 24. The center, which received financial support from the French diplomatic mission, was attended by local officials, including city officials, notables, women, and students. The visit aimed to strengthen cultural cooperation between France and Comoros.
The local authorities presented their ambitions for the future of the center, which they consider an essential space for training and opening up to the youth. Naufadi Saandi, a local official and founder of Comores en ligne, recalled the history of the building, constructed several decades ago with French support as a cultural center. The center's primary purpose was to allow young people in Domoni to access books, knowledge, and new technologies, including the internet.
According to Naufadi Saandi, the center has prepared around 400 young people from Domoni who have obtained their baccalaureates. Some of these former beneficiaries have become doctors and entrepreneurs, practicing in Comoros and France. The Cadc is a genuine investment in youth, demonstrating the concrete impact of a local cultural space. Saandi shared his personal experience of discovering Balzac's works and having his first internet contacts at the center.
Naufadi Saandi requested French cooperation support to renovate the center, equip it with adapted digital equipment, and establish a partnership to restore the Cadc's new dynamic. He expressed gratitude to French cooperation and individuals who have contributed to maintaining and making the symbolic and historical place alive over the years.
André Blanchard praised the city's efforts to preserve the cultural center, highlighting that it has endured due to the contributions of individuals. He emphasized the project's youth dimension and stated that the French delegation's presence aimed to listen to local authorities and actors, understand their ambitions, and transmit them to French cooperation services and potential partners.
The ceremony included the presentation of two books written by young people who benefited from the center's activities, illustrating its purpose of promoting access to knowledge and enabling young people to transform acquired knowledge into concrete achievements. The delegation then conducted a guided tour of the building and visited the primary school in Domoni.
The visit highlighted the legacy of French cooperation and the city's new ambitions to strengthen education, culture, and youth infrastructure. The meeting demonstrated the commitment of both parties to enhancing cultural cooperation and supporting the development of Comoros' youth.
Key points
- The French delegation visited the Cadc to discuss future partnerships and development.
- The center has prepared around 400 young people from Domoni who have obtained their baccalaureates.
- The visit highlighted the legacy of French cooperation and the city's new ambitions to strengthen education, culture, and youth infrastructure.