Living and non-living items worth 230 million F CFA offered to the people of Bouaké

On Thursday September 19, 2024, Dominique Ouattara, President of the Children Of Africa Foundation, officially launched her Foundation's school kit distribution campaign at a school group located in the Air France district of Bouake.

For this 2024-2025 school year, 15,000 school kits will be distributed to schoolchildren across the country, including 5,000 specifically for Bouake. The aim of these donations is to ease parents' burdens at the start of the new school year.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of Mrs. Maïmouna Koné, wife of the Vice-President of the Republic, Mrs. Kandia Camara, President of the Senate, Mr. Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport and Mayor of Bouake, local political and administrative authorities, as well as several other personalities and a large number of local residents.

In addition to the school kits, Mrs Dominique Ouattara came with a wide range of food and material donations, including reading and sports materials, as well as equipment for school maintenance. The canteen and nursery school of the school group also benefited from new equipment, including kitchen utensils, outdoor games and office furniture. These donations, worth a total of 220 million CFA francs, are designed to improve learning conditions for pupils.

Another highlight of the day was the inauguration of a new library, donated by Mr. Kone Amadou, Minister of Transport and Mayor of Bouake, and fully equipped by the Children Of Africa Foundation.

In addition to these in-kind donations, Mrs Dominique Ouattara also offered a cash donation worth 15 million F CFA to the people of Bouake. The total value of the in kind and cash donations for the town of Bouake is about 235 million F CFA.

In her speech, Mrs Dominique Ouattara stressed the importance of the theme chosen by the Government for the start of the 2024-2025 school year: “All responsible for a quality school”. She recalled that education is a responsibility which need to shared among all social players, from public authorities to parents and teachers. “Only then will it be possible for children to fulfill their dreams and contribute effectively to the development of our beloved country,” she declared.

The Children Of Africa Foundation's commitment to education is not new. Mrs Dominique Ouattara recalled that for several decades, the Foundation has been working to improve learning conditions for disadvantaged children, through the distribution of school kits every year. The aim of this initiative is to lighten the financial burden on parents and enable children to enjoy a more peaceful school year.

Before concluding, Mrs Ouattara encouraged the students to fully engage themselves in their studies: “We believe in you and your potential. We look forward to seeing you become the leaders of tomorrow,” she said. She also called on parents and teachers to continue to support the children on their educational journey.

Mr. Koffi N'Guessan, Minister of Technical Education, Vocational Training and Apprenticeship, delivered a message of support and thanks from Mrs. Mariatou Koné, Minister of National Education and Literacy. He recalled the Children Of Africa Foundation's commitment over the past two (02) decades to the well-being of the population in general, and children in particular. For him, this distribution campaign organized by Mrs Dominique Ouattara’s Foundation is unquestionably remarkable support for the education system, whose primary beneficiaries are the children. He also stressed the importance of the free schooling policy adopted by the Head of State, which aims to combat school failure.

Mr. Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport and spokesman for the people of Bouake, thanked the Presidential couple for their attachment and love for the people of Bouake. This love, he said, is reflected in the many visits and substantial donations the Presidential couple have made to the people of this town. He also took the opportunity of this ceremony to reassure the Presidential couple of the loyalty of the people.

Senator Djibo Youssouf Nicolas also welcomed Mrs Dominique Ouattara's visit. For him, the numerous development actions of the Head of State and the humanitarian commitment of Mrs Dominique Ouattara on behalf of the most vulnerable are pledges of salvation and hope for the population. For this reason, he expressed his gratitude to the Presidential couple.

Mrs N'Guessan Affoué Jacqueline, 2nd Deputy Mayor of Bouake, Miss Touré Sely, spokeswoman for the students, and Mr Djeha Kouamé, President of the COGES, all thanked the generous donor.

The people of Bouaké also offered numerous gifts to the Presidential couple.

The ceremony once again explains the crucial role played by the Children Of Africa Foundation in promoting quality education for all children in Côte d'Ivoire.