Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to be here with you in Grand-Bassam at the EPP Mossou 3 school for the distribution of the Children Of Africa Foundation’s school kits to children.
First of all, I would like to acknowledge the presence of Ms Mariétou Koné, Minister of National Education and Literacy, whom I congratulate on the excellent work she has been doing at the head of her department. Thank you for taking the time to be with us, and congratulations on your brilliant election in Boundiali.
My warmest greetings also go to Ms Florence Achi, Wife of the Prime Minister, and Fatou Bictogo, Wife of the President of the National Assembly; as well as to my sisters, the Wives of Presidents of Institutions and Ministers.
I would also like to extend my greetings to Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps for taking the time to attend the event.
I want to extend my greetings to Ambassadors’ wives group headed by Ms Suhad Belliard, wife of the Ambassador of France, I also take the opportunity to thank them for their unconditional support for all our actions.
I would also like to welcome all the distinguished guests and members of my delegation who have come here this morning to lend their support to the work of the Children Of Africa Foundation.
I would like to show my appreciation to the local authorities present here today, headed by Ms Nassou Sidibé, Prefect of the Grand-Bassam district; as well as Mr. Jean-Louis Moulot, Mayor of Grand-Bassam, whom I thank for his personal involvement in the success of this ceremony, and for the magnificent gifts offered to me.
I would also like to greet Members of Parliament, Senators, Mayors, Economic and Social Advisors, General Advisors and all the elected representatives and executives who have kindly joined us.
I would also like to congratulate my female Mayors and Senators on their election. In particular Ms Florence Achi who was brilliantly elected in Adzopé, Ms Laure Donwahi elected in Mayo and my dear sister-in-law Ms Sita Keita who was elected in Gbélégban.
Congratulations also to my brilliant Director of Cabinet Patricia Yao who was re-elected in the district of Guitry, and to my loyal collaborator Chantal Poaty who was elected Senator in Mossou. Please give them a big round of applause.
I would also like to extend my greetings to the religious and traditional authorities of Grand-Bassam, who have made the journey to be with us for this event where we are going to distribute school supplies to our children. They surround us with their prayers and blessings.
My greetings now go to the donors who are here with us this morning, and whom I thank for their support.
We are able to organize so many social actions for our people throughout the year thanks to their generosity.
I would also like to welcome all the Directors and Heads of Department of Grand-Bassam who are with us today.
Finally, I am happy to see so many of our brothers and sisters from Grand-Bassam, as well as our children, who have come in great numbers to spend this moment with us. Thank you all for your warm welcome.
My dear children,
First of all, I would like to pass on greetings from your father, President Alassane Ouattara, who asked me to give you a big hug on his behalf and to wish you a good start to your school year. And congratulations on your beautiful dances and poem.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear brothers and sisters,
Every year before school starts, the Children Of Africa Foundation makes it a point of honor to help families all over Côte d’Ivoire to ensure a successful start for children.
Over the years, the distribution of school kits has become a cherished tradition. The aim of this act of solidarity is to help families, so that our children can go to school in the best possible conditions.
For this year, the Children of Africa Foundation will be donating 15,000 school kits in all regions of Côte d’Ivoire. Today, 5,000 school kits are being offered to our children in the Bassam district.
These kits include school bags, school books and supplies.
We have also brought back equipment and food for the Grand-Bassam school canteens, early-learning and outdoor games for our toddlers, cleaning products and materials for the schools, as well as furniture for the teachers’ offices.
At this point, I’d like to reiterate my sincere thanks to all our generous donors, who have made it possible for us to make these donations.
Dear teachers,
I want to tell you that you are doing a wonderful job with our children. You have chosen an honourable profession, which gives you an important responsibility not only in the lives of our children but also with regard to the future of our Nation.
You bear the heavy responsibility of shaping tomorrow’s elite, and you can be proud of this. You have our full confidence and support in the fulfillment of your duty to pass on this knowledge.
For my part, I’d like to congratulate you on the excellent work you carry out on a daily basis and on your commitment. I encourage you to keep up the good work. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.
Dear parents,
The future of our children has always been of great importance to me. I sincerely share your desire to see our children succeed. I want them to grow and improve in the best possible conditions.
Thank you for all your efforts and the sacrifices you make every year, so that our children have the best.
As for you, my dear children, I wish you a wonderful school year and hope that at the end of it, success will be yours!
I knowthat you will listen well in class and you will behave well and be attentive to your teachers’ instructions.
I also hope you’ll make good use of the school kits I’ve brought back, which will help you learn a lot. The best gift you can give me is to have an excellent average at the end of the year and to make us proud of you.
I wish you a wonderful school year!
Thank you very much.
