School and Canteen
Yaou, Ivory Coast
The project takes place in Yaou, a village nearby Bonoua, Ivory Coast, and it consists in a Canteen Project and a School Project. These projects are made in collaboration with the Don Orione Institute and they are managed by Madame Aisha, a laic volunteer.
The Canteen Project welcomes 150 children and with a monthly contribution of 750 € we can provide a free daily meal to all the students of the school.
Need You International also supports the School Project always directed by Madame Aisha, who directs us on the needs (materials and structural) of the school and its students.
For 6000 euros a year, we offer free school and daily meals to more than 130 children.
The Canteen
The canteen is equipped with tables and chairs, although many children still prefer to eat their meals sitting on the floor, as they do, when they have the opportunity, in their humble homes.
We offer a complete meal of rice with chicken or fish. However, the canteen's operating costs are numerous, such as food purchases and staff. Meanwhile, basic necessities like rice, oil, etc., have increased considerably (e.g., rice used to cost 15,000 francs/€25 per quintal, now costs 21,500 francs/€35) This canteen is an essential part of the community, a safe place where people can spend time with their peers and have a daily meal, sometimes the only one of the day.
“These are children from all over the Yaou region and the surrounding areas... children in very difficult situations, some are orphans, having lost one or both parents!
This is also a place where rules are learned and respected: a rotation system has been put in place so that the children help with the running of the canteen... after meals, the groups take turns participating in practical cleaning and tidying tasks. Of course, these are light tasks that serve to teach them responsibility, cooperation, and the importance of respecting shared property and hygiene.”
The School
Every year, the school welcomes more than 130 students from elementary to high school education.
With our donations, we aim to give all the students the instruments to thrive and to pass the annual state examination.
If you want to contribute to the project please contact us at info@needyouinternational.org or visit our donate page, thank you for your support!
Read the Canteen project summary in French here