Children Of Africa Foundation: 14 top students fly out for an educational trip to Cap-d’Ail, France
On Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Children Of Africa Foundation officially launched the 10th edition of the educational trip to Cap-d’Ail, France, for Côte d’Ivoire’s top-performing students. Held at the Foundation’s headquarters, the ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, the selected students’ parents, and partners committed to this initiative, which has been rewarding academic excellence for a decade.
For this milestone edition, 14 students, seven girls and seven boys aged 15 to 16 will enjoy a 21-day stay in Cap-d’Ail. They will have the opportunity to participate in educational, cultural, and sporting activities while discovering new horizons.
Ms. Nadine Sangaré, Director of the Children of Africa Foundation, representing the Foundation’s President, Ms. Dominique Ouattara, took the opportunity to explain the beneficiary selection process to the parents. She clarified that students are identified in close collaboration with the Ministry of National Education based on their academic performance across the three terms of the school year. In addition to these academic criteria, there are requirements set by the Cité Club Universitaire Association—specifically, that students be between 15 and 16 years of age and that there be balanced representation from the country’s various regions. “We want to give the best students from across Côte d’Ivoire a chance. The selection process is carried out with rigor, transparency, and fairness,” she emphasized.
Since the program’s inception, 103 Ivorian students have already taken part in this experience. The Foundation’s Director expressed her satisfaction with this track record, noting that several past beneficiaries are now pursuing remarkable paths. “We are particularly delighted to welcome back former beneficiaries. Some are excelling in their studies—such as Yao Christine, who recently passed her baccalaureate with highest honors—while others have already fully embarked on their professional lives,” she stated.
Ms. Nadine Sangaré highlighted that this initiative reflects the vision of Ms. Dominique Ouattara, who has made education a cornerstone of her commitment to Africa’s youth. “We are celebrating the 10th edition of this educational trip today thanks to an exemplary collaboration between the Children Of Africa Foundation and the Cité Club Universitaire Association. For ten years, this partnership has been grounded in shared values: excellence, sharing, openness to the world, and the conviction that education remains one of the most powerful drivers of development,” she affirmed.
Addressing the young award recipients, Mrs. Nadine Sangaré encouraged them to make the most of this opportunity. “Be curious, open-minded, respectful, and proud to represent Côte d’Ivoire. May these 21 days be a source of inspiration, learning, and discovery for you,” she advised, before wishing them a wonderful stay in France.
Mr. Moustapha Sangaré, Chief of Staff to the Minister of National Education, thanked the First Lady for this initiative benefiting education. He noted that through this program, the Foundation broadens the young recipients’ perspectives and fosters a spirit of openness.
Dr. Alain Nys, President of the “Cité Club Universitaire” association, introduced the camp program to the new recipients. They will be staying at the Mediterranean Center for French Studies (CMEF) in Cap d’Ail, in the south of France. Over the course of three weeks, the young participants will combine educational training with recreational activities. Dr. Alain Nys encouraged them to make the most of this educational experience alongside young people from various other countries.