Three newly-built classrooms equipped with 20 desks each and four rehabilitated ones as well as three latrines estimated at a total cost of CFA 12,480,582 francs (25000 USD) were officially handed over on Wednesday 13 March 2014 by the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) to local administrative authorities of Sipilou division (80 km from Man in the Tonkpi region) within the framework of UNOCI's Quick Impact Projects programme.

UNOCI's regional office coordinator, Guelnoudji Ndjekounkosse praised the foresight of the Prefect who had to make a choice between constructing a Prefecture, a gendarmerie or the extension of the secondary school. "Today we understand the choice of the Prefect was wise because it is in school that prefects, gendarmes, in short the future of the country, are trained. We thank the Prefect for that," he remarked.





The UNOCI regional coordinator said the donation was an illustration of the UN Mission's daily commitment to assist Cote d'Ivoire, be it in the area of education or promoting political dialogue or improving human rights so that women and men, girls and boys can live together in peace and harmony and in the respect for state authority and the laws of Cote d'Ivoire. She said that was why the Special Representative of UN Secretary-general for Cote d'Ivoire, Mrs. Aichatou Mindoudou had approved this modest quick impact project with a view to having a real and quick impact on the performance of the pupils of the school.

The Prefect of the division, Assamoua Florentin and the Principal of the Municipal College of Sipilou, Zebihi Balie expressed gratitude to UNOCI for the extension work on the college which they said would reduce the suffering of the pupils and teachers. The Prefect requested the head of the UNOCI delegation "to convey to the UN Special Representative the gratitude of Cote d'Ivoire and the Minister of Education for UNOCI's constant concern for the future of the children of this country."

The handing over ceremony was marked by folk songs and dances of the Yacouba people.