Côte d'Ivoire hosts FLINTLOCK 2026 to enhance regional security and economic opportunities

New school infrastructure in Kandenan, Côte d'Ivoire, combats child labor in cocoa plantations

On April 4, 2026, the village of Kandenan, located in the Tanda department of eastern Côte d'Ivoire, inaugurated a new school complex. This initiative aims to improve access to education and deter children from working in cocoa plantations. The project, sponsored by Minister of State Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, was spearheaded by the Kandenan Development Mutual MUDEKA and is part of the national program against child labor, led by First Lady Dominique Ouattara, with financial backing from the Cocoa-Coffee Council. The new facilities include a three-classroom building, an administrative office, a school canteen, latrines, and three teacher accommodations. Additionally, Dr. N’guettia Martin, a local leader, rehabilitated six other classrooms, and Minister Adjoumani Kobenan Kouassi renovated a teacher's residence. Bouaki Essi, president of MUDEKA, stated that these achievements symbolize hope and equal opportunities, highlighting the school canteen's role in improving children's nutrition for better academic performance. Senator Ignace Kossonou, representing the sponsor, urged parents to ensure all children attend school. The sub-prefect of Amanvi, Lodoua Kami, emphasized the community's responsibility in maintaining these facilities. The Cocoa-Coffee Council distributed school kits to all students from CP1 to CM2. Despite these advancements, MUDEKA, founded in 2021, has advocated for further development, including extending the electricity network, enhancing drinking water suppl