ADZOPÉ, Côte d'Ivoire – Imagine being a student in Abou Sékakoi, a small village near Adzopé. The school canteen is a lifeline, providing meals for all 231 children throughout the 120-day school year. This isn't just about the government's 26-day contribution; it's a community effort, driven by leaders like Abel Botchi Assi, the deputy of Adzopé, and the Union of Women of Abou Sékakoi (UFAB).
A team from the General Coordination of the Government Social Program (Psgouv) and the Directorate of School Canteens (DCS) saw this firsthand during their April 9th field visit. They also documented the successes at the Andé 1 and 2 school group, where students are getting much-needed meals.
Adzopé School Canteens: Challenges and Solutions
Drissa Koné, the regional coordinator for school canteens at DRENA, provides some sobering context. Out of 360 public primary schools in the Mé region, only 196 have canteens - that's 26,900 kids with access to subsidized meals. Sadly, out of the 24 agricultural groups meant to support canteens in the region, just three are still running.
This is where local leaders step up. Deputy Botchi Assi says, "Even before I was elected, education was my cause. Now as an MP, I support school canteens to help the government's work. It's more than just feeding bellies; it's boosting enrollment." Seeing kids like Rebecca Kambou, a young girl thriving thanks to the canteen, proves the program's worth.
UFAB: Women Feeding Students in School Canteens
The women of UFAB are another vital force. Since 2020, they've been providing food for the Abou Sékakoi canteen. "We gave over a ton of rice, oil, pasta, and veggies last year," explains Antoinette Yapi Séka, UFAB's president. The government even rewarded them with a tricycle to help transport their goods!
Students Speak: Why School Canteens Matter
Young Brou Atta Yao Mordochée is all smiles, "Before the canteen, I'd trek halfway home for lunch. Now I'm the top of my class!" These canteens aren't just about food, they change lives. And it's paying off – EPP Abou Sékakoi saw a 99% pass rate for entry into secondary school!
Andé Canteens: A Work in Progress
While EPP Andé 1 and 2's canteen is running, it only offers 36 days of meals. Faustin Djè Bi Younin, the school director, remembers better times when a local women's cooperative provided more support. Their struggles highlight the need for continued community investment in school canteens.
Call to Action
"This is everyone's problem, not just the government's," insists Deputy Botchi Assi, calling on those in the diaspora and local leaders to pitch in. The success of Adzopé's school canteens shows what's possible. Imagine if this same spirit spread throughout the region and across Côte d'Ivoire? It all starts with the simple act of feeding our children.
