Abidjan, 22 October 2009... The Deputy Chief of Police of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), Pierre André Campiche, on Saturday 17 October, attended the inauguration of the boys' orphanage in Bingerville, whose grounds have been completedly electrified thanks to financing from the basket fund of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The project, which cost 9, 986 489 Fcfa, was initiated by the UN Police (UNPOL) in Côte d'Ivoire. It is part of UNOCI's Quick Impact Projects programme for Ivorians, and is aimed at contributing to the improvement of the living conditions of students in Bingerville.

Mr. Campiche said that the initiative will enable young people to develop within establishment's premises, to study properly and to improve their living environment and welfare.

Originally the orphanage in Bingerville, built in 1905 on a 4-acre plot, was the palace of the former governor. It is in a state of advanced decay.

The head of the orphanage, Mrs. Koné-Houénou Philomène, welcomed UNOCI's commitment and availability in implementing the project which is highly appreciated by everybody. She recalled the sad event of a student who was bitten by a snake in the darkness of the grounds.

"Since my arrival, I fought hard for this lighting; today UNOCI listened to my plea and I thank it for that," she declared.

The students expressed their joy through ballet and sketches in which they depicted their living conditions and asked UNOCI and UNDP to also help with the rehabilitation of the building.

The orphanage in Bingerville caters for some 300 students of primary and secondary school age.