Daloa, 21st December 2009... The primary school in Tapeguia, on 19 December 2009, received the keys to a three-classroom-building renovated by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI).

The rehabilitation of the school, situated in the district of Issia, 360 km from Abidjan, is part of UNOCI's Quick Impact Projects programme. At a cost of 6,193, 000 FCFA cost, the renovation work involved, among other things, the building, and painting of the school's walls, repairing the terrace and installing a new frame and roof.

"Education is necessary to compensate for life's difficulties. Going to school helps us to understand the world therefore the school environment must be attractive in order to give students the opportunity to learn better", said Political Affairs Officer, Axel Queval, who reiterated UNOCI's support to contribute such action. He also asked the population in Tapeguia to promote the culture of peace and harmony in order to create a peaceful environment, before, during and after the elections.

The chairman of the development insurance company, Paul Kpenahi and the school's Director, Michel Tiama, welcomed UNOCI's action which, they said "will contribute to training professionals-to-be in the village which will in turn lead to the development of the locality". Mr. Tiama requested UNOCI's support, for the construction of housing for teachers', latrines and desk-benches for the students, who constantly growing in number.

The primary school in Tapeguia was built in 1985, with a total of 273 pupils including 97 girls.