Mrs. the Ambassadors
Dear Sisters
It is a great pleasure for me to receive you this afternoon and I would like to welcome you. I especially appreciate the principle of the meeting during which we will have the opportunity to get acquainted. Thank you for the kind words you had about me.
First, I would like to congratulate you on the excellent program you had to re-establish your association activities, in order to conduct charitable activities.
You help children and vulnerable people and I am very sensitive. You have all my encouragement. Thank you for your contribution to the welfare of the populations of Côte d’Ivoire.
For my part, as you know, I created my humanitarian foundation called Children Of Africa in 1998 to help children and vulnerable women in Africa.
The Foundation operates on private donations through goodwill funds and with the help of volunteers. Our activities cover 11 countries in Africa and we work in four areas of activity which are: health; education; subsidized centers and social assistance, including women. The most important project of the Foundation, to date, is the construction of the Mother-Child hospital located in Bingerville.
Currently under construction, the necessary funds for its construction and equipment have been raised through the contributions of our generous donors for this purpose during our dinner charity galas. The hospital will be finished in early 2015 and we need your help for its operation, like the service of the American hospital. Your contribution would be valuable to us. Mrs. Nadine Sangaré, country Director of the Foundation in Côte Coast will explain in a few moments Children Of Africa’s actions.
In my capacity of First Lady, I also conduct activities in favor of my fellow citizens. For women, our sisters in difficult situations, I created the FAFCI, the Support Fund for women in Côte d’Ivoire. It is a fund at a reduced VAT rate of 12% per year, to make it be accessible to all women, including those who have never practiced a lucrative business. The FAFCI will help reduce the unemployment of our sisters and facilitate their financial independence.
Finally, the President of the Republic entrusted me, the volunteer task of fighting against child labor. With my committee, the CNS and our partners, we have developed a National Action Plan to fight against Child Labor, to conduct concerted efforts for effective fight, at both the national and international levels.
My Chief of Staff, Mrs. Patricia Yao Sylvie will give you more details.
My Dear Sisters,
I hope that you have a good stay in Côte d’Ivoire and that you will keep a good memory of our country. I cannot conclude without reiterating my thanks and encouragement for your actions in favor of our underprivileged populations. Do not hesitate to contact me if needed. Thank you for your courtesy visit and have good stay in Côte d’Ivoire.
