Reinforce social cohesion between the local communities and ex-combatants – this is the objective of a project to build six classrooms and produce 250 desk-benches for the public primary school in Peninfeguekaha, in the sous-préfecture of Napié, situated at 570 km north of Abidjan.



The official launching of the project, which was initiated by the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Division of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), in partnership with the Ivorian Authority for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (ADDR), took place on Saturday, 13 June 2015, in the presence of local political and administrative authorities in Napié.



Speaking at the event, the head of the UNOCI delegation, Abdulai Baako, urged the ex-combatants to hand over their weapons for the sake of lasting peace in their community and in Côte d'Ivoire. « You now have the opportunity to learn a trade which would help your social and economic reinsertion and reinforce community cohesion,» he stressed.



The deputy prefect of Napié, Marie-Rose NKouao Sopie, who presided over the ceremony recalled efforts made by UNOCI to preserve social cohesion in her constituency. « The foundation stone laying ceremony of the Public Primary School of Peninfeguekaha project is most welcome because it would provide an opportunity for people in the locality and neighbouring villages to benefit from the project and strengthen their links».

The representative of the ADDR's regional office in Korhogo, Ibrahima Doumbia, invited local dignitaries, traditional chiefs as well as local people to contribute to the handing in of weapons in order to benefit from the rehabilitation and building of infrastructures. « Dear demobilised, you should be proud, because in this village, thanks to you, your children, your little brother and sisters will have a new school, » he added.



Earlier, the resident Mayor of Napié commune, Seydou Tuo, said the project was a development which gives children of the community and ex-combatants the chance to work under better conditions, adding that it will also encourage parents to send their children to school, especially their girls.



At a global cost of 41 445 500 FCFA ($22,000 approximately), financed by UNOCI, the project will provide an opportunity to 30 ex-combatants and young people at risk to learn a trade and to live in harmony with the host community..