Mrs Dominique Ouattara at the 9th edition of the Children Of Africa Gala Dinner: "I encourage you to support this beautiful cause, which will give thousands of children the chance to grow up fulfilled, happy and healthy".

The auditorium of the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire was the setting for the 9th edition of the Children Of Africa Foundation charity event on Friday, March 1, 2024 under the inspiring theme "We are Africa". This prestigious evening aimed to raise funds for the construction of a new cardiac surgery wing at the Mother and Child Hospital in Bingerville, for children with heart disease.  This new specialized infrastructure will enable open-heart surgery for sick children.

The event attracted a remarkable turnout, attracting thousands of eminent personalities from diverse backgrounds, including politics, health, culture and business. All gathered on the shores of the Ebrié Lagoon to respond to the call of Mrs Dominique Ouattara, President of the Children Of Africa Foundation, an emblematic philanthropy figure in Côte d'Ivoire for several decades.

Taking advantage of the occasion, Mrs Dominique Ouattara, President of the Children Of Africa Foundation, underlined the importance of this new project. "This new specialized infrastructure will enable us to perform open-heart surgery on sick children, thanks in particular to the help of Chaîne de l'Espoir, our partner (...). It's an ambitious project, but I'm convinced we can achieve it together. I can only encourage you to support this worthy cause, which will give thousands of children the chance to grow up fulfilled, happy and healthy", urged Mrs Dominique Ouattara.

The wife of the  Head of State also thanked her generous donors for their significant contribution to the realization of her foundation's major projects. "Since 1998, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to improve the daily lives of the most vulnerable children, and their mothers. Our actions impact thousands of families in Côte d'Ivoire and 11 other African countries. Thanks to your unfailing support, we have been able to carry out various projects in the health, education and social sectors that have had a positive and lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children across the continent", declared Mrs Dominique Ouattara. Indeed, in 26 years of existence, the Children Of Africa Foundation has initiated major projects that have had a positive impact on the lives of the people. These include the Highschool in Kong; the Mother and Child Hospital in Bingerville; the three reception centers for children in distress in Soubre, Bouake and Ferkessedougou; a School Group in Abobo; the new shelter for children  and the Center for abused women in Adiake. Other major projects include vaccination campaigns against Typhoid fever, eye screening campaigns, donations to health facilities and many other initiatives. "It's all these important achievements over the years that change the daily lives of those who benefit from them. And year after year, you help us to bring them to reality. I'm very grateful," she concluded.

Tribute to Princess Ira von Fürstenberg

This charity event was also dedicated to the memory of Princess Ira von Fürstenberg, patron of the Children Of Africa Foundation and long-standing friend of Mrs Dominique Ouattara. Princess Ira von Fürstenberg passed away on February 18, just a few weeks before the Gala evening she was due to attend. Mrs Dominique Ouattara took this opportunity to pay a heartfelt tribute to Princess Ira von Fürstenberg.  "Ira had been my friend for 30 years, always ready to help the children of Africa and those most in need. She was always there for me, both in happy times and during the difficult trials we went through with Alassane. She was the most loyal of friends. (...) I'll always remember her for the happy times we spent together and the many pleasant memories we shared. On behalf of all the children and mothers we have cared for over the years, but also on my own behalf, I would like to dedicate this charity event to her». She said

The charity evening also featured a number of performances by renowned artists such as Fally Ipupa; Gim's; Dadju; Yemi Aladé; Nomcebo Zikode; Josey; Roseline Layo; the Magic System group and Tam Sir, the Paiya group.  An auction and tombola ensured that guests enjoyed a pleasant evening.