The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) has just brought relief to people in Gbouagleu, in the department of Zouan Hounien. A three-classroom building equipped with tables and benches has been offered to them by the UN Mission to facilitate and improve access to education for children in the village. The opening ceremony chaired by the deputy prefect of Zouan Hounien, Mr. Comoé Amadou, was held on Monday, 8 February 2016.



Speaking on behalf of local people, Denis Douan Zoya thanked UNOCI for its inestimable gift. According to him they had waited 50 years for such an event.

"The people of Gbouagleu thank you very much for your work for the cause of peace in Côte d'Ivoire. Since this has been largely achieved, as experienced professionals, you have now decided to fight against any evil that can undermine peace, such underdevelopment. Thanks to that development policy, today we have a three-classroom building which is an architectural jewel," he said.

Mr. Zoya also asked the administrative authorities for providing the village with a youth centre, a health centre and a water tower.



The Coordinator of the UN Office in Toulepleu, Hélène Sylvie Zomahoun, expressed the Mission's gratitude to the authorities for their support, which enabled the realization of the project. According to her, the building was constructed to reinforce social cohesion as the sons and daughters of the village have some difficulties in living together.



"We have come to support you. Social cohesion is a huge challenge for Gbouagleu, therefore, I urge you to work together to unite and develop your village. We have opened the path; it is now your turn to clear the road for peace and social cohesion and make possible a sustainable development of your village, "she said

As the deputy prefect of Banneu, Charles Koffi Amani Kan, he expressed his gratitude to UNOCI for its actions in favor of the population.



"By your actions, you support the Government of Côte d'Ivoire in its social policy for its population. This building that you have just provided is a symbol of social cohesion and an expression of the restoration of peace. Therefore, I urge the population to take care of it and make sure conflicts in this village are resolved through dialogue. It will be the way to show to the UN Mission that you have heard its message, "he said.



It should be recalled that Gbouagleu has 1,500 inhabitants. Its name means ''village of the wise''. Unfortunately a conflict broke out in that village because a part of the population questioned the authority of the chief. UNOCI therefore initiated, from 17 to 19 February 2015, an inter-community dialogue to bring the population together and help strengthen social cohesion.

The building of three classrooms cost about 11.999 million FCFA.