The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d’Ivoire, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, head of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), on 4 March 2016, went to Tabou (474 km from Abidjan) and Grand Béréby (417 km from Abidjan) in the Bas Sassandra region, to inaugurate several Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).

She was accompanied by the president of San Pedro Regional Council, Mr. Donatien Beugré.

In Tabou, the Orphanage ’’Sœur Camilla Bagnulo Casa Del Sol’’ was rehabilitated at a cost of 11,989, 000 FCFA. The 40 children, aged between 3 to 12 years, have now been provided with six dormitories and a fully-equipped playground – much appreciated by them. The director’s office was also rehabilitated and furnished with computers and other office equipment.

The head of the orphanage, Sister Brigitte, thanked UNOCI and the United Nations for its support and assistance to the institution and made a plea for help with providing transportation for the orphans.

The Special Representative, Mrs Mindaoudou, took the opportunity to « thank and encourage all those who support the orphanage ’’Sœur Camilla Bagnulo Casa Del Sol’’ so that the children can be protected and their rights respected ». The inauguration ceremony ended with a visit to the areas that had been rehabilitated.

From the orphanage, the UN delegation went to Tabou 2 Public Primary School which was rehabilitated by UNOCI at a cost of 11,888,550 FCFA. As a result of the work carried out, today the school has six new classrooms, a library and latrines.

« We want to make a plea for some books for the library because the few books that we had are now worn out because we have read them over and over again, » said Ariel Kouassi Kra Tanoh, spokesperson for the pupils,.

The president of School Management Committee, Henry Nguessan, expressed his satisfaction with the work UNOCI had done to benefit the school children. However, several requests for further help were made during the ceremony, including a plea for assistance with the construction of a perimeter wall to protect the children from traffic in the grounds of school.

« It is said that “the little ones of today and adults of tomorrow”. I would like to express the hope that this school will one day produce the leaders of tomorrow. Leaders who follow the example of their elders who have already become involved in the promoting the culture of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation by their daily action and in educating the youths », said the head of UNOCI, before visiting the different projects.

In Grand Béréby, it was the warehouse of the market which was rehabilitated at a cost of 10,828,700 FCFA as part of UNOCI’s Quick Impact Projects programme.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Mayor, Mr. Alphonse Gosso Yabayou, thanked the UN Mission for its accompaniment of the people who use the market facility.

For her part, the Head of UNOCI said that it was through these types of projects that the UN Mission contributes to the efforts of local authorities to strengthen social cohesion between the different communities who use the facility.