La maison de l’enfance de Bouaké

Childhood home of Bouaké

Since 2009, the Follereau Luxembourg Foundation has supported the Maison de l'Enfance de Bouaké. Created in 1970 by the Religious of Saint Vincent de Paul, this house welcomes children and teenagers from 5 to 17 years old who found themselves on the street following the Ivorian crisis of 2010 or because of a complex or non-existent family structure. The Follereau Luxembourg Foundation and the children's house provide prevention, socio-professional reintegration of young people in difficult circumstances.

Primary level courses are given to allow children to reintegrate the traditional school system. The Bouaké childhood home also allows young people to take the Elementary Primary Education Certificate (CEPE) and therefore be able to help these young people to find a decent life project.

In 2020, 46 street children were taken in at La Maison de l’Enfance de Bouaké and received health, social, psychological and food support, in addition to accommodation, while 34 family reunifications were carried out.

Meeting these children and these teachers and accompanying them for 4 days was a life experience for us. This house is directed by Father Jean Kansié who accompanied us along this adventure. Having himself been on the streets during his youth, he now devotes his life to helping these children. To offer them education, emotional and psychological support.

“Les souffrances ont donné vie aux plus grandes âmes, les personnages les plus éminents portent en eux des cicatrices.” - Kahlil Gibran

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” - Kahlil Gibran