The First Lady inaugurate the Dominique Ouattara highschool and celebrates mother’s day in Sinematiali
More than 500 million F CFA in gifts offered to the population
An envelope of 500 million F CFA under the FAFCI program offered to the women of the region
The First Lady, Mrs Dominique Ouattara, presided over the official inauguration ceremony of the Dominique Ouattara highschool for young girls and the celebration of Mother’s Day, on Saturday May 31, 2025, in Sinematiali.
The ceremony witnessed the participation of high-profile personalities, including the President of the National Assembly, Mr. Adama Bictogo, the President of the Senate, Mrs. Kandia Camara, the President of CESEC, Eugène Aka Aouélé, the High Representative of the Head of State, Gilbert Kafana Koné, as well as numerous administrative, diplomatic, customary and religious authorities.
Many of the country’s leading female figures were also present, including the Minister for Women, the Family and Children, Mrs Nassénéba Touré, the Director of the Children of Africa Foundation, Mrs Nadine Sangaré, and the Secretary General of the Presidency, Mrs Masséré Touré Koné.
A school of excellence for young Ivorian girls
As soon as she arrived, the First Lady was warmly welcomed by the local population, who had turned out in large numbers for the occasion. One of the highlights of the day was the inauguration of the Dominique Ouattara highschool, a modern, well-equipped establishment with boarding facilities, designed to promote the education of young girls from Sinématiali and beyond. The First Lady hailed the completion of this project, which she sees as a lever for social advancement and the dissemination of knowledge.
“This high school is much more than a school; it is a symbol of hope for many young girls”, she emphasized, thanking the President of the Republic for his vision and social commitment, as well as Minister Fidèle Sarassoro, President of the Poro Regional Council, for his personal implication in order to see the project being achieved .
Mrs Ouattara also congratulated the Minister of National Education and Literacy, Mrs Mariatou Koné, for her constant support for quality education, before extending her warmest greetings to the students and encouraging them to keep on the path to excellence.
Mother’s Day celebration
The ceremony was also an opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day alongside the women of the region. In a message filled with tenderness and gratitude, the First Lady paid tribute to the mothers of Côte d’Ivoire, hailing their essential role in society as educators, workers, entrepreneurs and pillars of the family unit.
“You are the beating heart of our families and the builders of our nation. Your courage, strength and determination deserve admiration and gratitude,” she declared.
To translate this recognition into concrete action, Mrs Dominique Ouattara announced an additional financing of 500 million FCFA for the Poro region as part of the FAFCI program, bringing the total amount to 3 billion FCFA. This initiative aims to enable more women to develop income-generating activities, thus strengthening their economic autonomy. She also donated food and non-food items to the value of 500 million FCFA, as well as 5,000 suits of loincloths. The First Lady also donated two (02) coaches, a double-cab pick-up, a truck, three (03) ambulances and various equipment for the Dominique Ouattara highschool, local schools, women groups and health establishments, and the local population. In addition to these , the wife of the Head of State donated 13 million F CFA to the local population. In all, Mrs Dominique Ouattara graciously offered gifts worth a total of 513 million F CFA to the people of Sinematiali and the Poro region.
A heartfelt tribute to the women of Poro
Before concluding her speech, the First Lady took the opportunity to expresse her affection and pride for the women of Sinématiali: “I wish you an excellent Mother’s Day, surrounded by your families and loved ones,” she concluded.
This historic day in Sinematiali will be remembered not only for the promise of a better future through education, but also for the sincere and tangible recognition of the women of Côte d’Ivoire, honored by one of their most ardent champion.
Mrs Mariatou Koné, Minister of National Education and Literacy, shared in the vast school construction program initiated by the President of the Republic. She revealed that in 2011, Côte d’Ivoire had a total of six (6) schools for girls. Since taking office, President Alassane Ouattara has embarked on a vast program to build school infrastructure, including 15 girls’ high schools with boarding facilities.
According to Mrs Mariatou Koné, the effects of this policy can be seen in the figures for girls’ access to schooling. According to the Minister, in 2011, only 33.6% of girls had access to lower secondary education. By 2024, 83% of girls had access to lower secondary education. she revealed that in 2011, only 27% of girls had access to secondary school , compared with 83% in 2024.
Mrs Nassénéba Touré, Minister for Women, the Family and Children, drew a parallel between young girls’ access to quality education and the celebration of Mother’s Day. Indeed, as young girls are the mothers of tomorrow, their training helps ensure their future. She also paid tribute to Minister Fidèle Sarassoro, for his initiatives in favor of the development of Sinématiali.
Minister Fidèle Sarassoro. President of the Poro Regional Council, thanked the First Lady for attending this important event. He took the opportunity to thank her for her humanitarian and social commitment.According to him the school will contribute to creating an ecosystem aimed at encouraging the schooling of young girls in this region, while protecting them from the scourge of early pregnancy. The Dominique Ouattara highschool is designed to address three (3) issues: training for young girls, education for young girls and excellence in education.
Dr Paule Tenoudjo Ouattara, spokeswoman for the women, thanked the First Lady for her commitment to the well-being of women through the FAFCI program.
Miss Moassi Yoro Anielle, spokeswoman for the students of the Lycée d’Excellence Dominique Ouattara de jeunes filles de Sinématiali, thanked their godmother for her actions on behalf of children.
The people of Sinematiali presented numerous gifts to the Presidential couple and the personalities present.