Mariama, International Economics and Development, 4th year
Country of fieldwork: Ivory Coast
Canadian NGO: Alternatives
Local NGO: Sterna Africa Ivory Coast
Position: Education, Environment and Project Management Officer
My international internship in Côte d'Ivoire offered me a deep immersion in the local education system. This country, rich in cultural and linguistic diversity, presents unique challenges related to learning the French language, particularly in rural areas.
Reading workshops to bridge educational gaps
Every week, I run reading workshops with primary school pupils. The main objective is to strengthen their vocabulary and arouse their intellectual curiosity. However, I quickly noticed significant disparities between children in urban and rural areas. In the villages, many pupils have learning difficulties, mainly due to the language barrier. At home, the language of communication is often an ethnic language, such as Baoulé, Bété or Malinké, and not French. This reality makes it difficult for them to adapt to the education system, where French is the language of instruction.
Linguistic diversity: a richness and a challenge
Côte d'Ivoire has more than 60 ethnic languages, divided among several major linguistic groups. This diversity, although cultural and historical, creates a divide in access to quality education. Children in rural areas are often at a disadvantage compared to their peers in cities, where French is more widely spoken at home and in the community. Studies show that the lack of a transition between the mother tongue and French complicates learning, especially in reading and writing. A child who has to juggle between his or her mother tongue and a foreign language at school will need more support to adapt.
Socio-economic factors influencing schooling
In addition to the linguistic challenges, children in rural areas often start school later than those in urban areas. This is often due to financial constraints that prevent parents from enrolling their children in school at a young age. This delay in schooling can have repercussions on the educational path of the pupils, increasing the risk of dropping out of school. In addition, a recent policy of automatic promotion in Côte d'Ivoire allows pupils to move up a level even if they have not achieved the required average, provided they have a minimum pass rate of 30%. Although this measure aims to reduce the repetition rate, it is the subject of debate. Some fear that it will compromise the overall quality of learning if accompanying measures are not put in place.
A key role for extracurricular workshops
In this context, the reading workshops that I organize with my local association have taken on their full meaning. In addition to learning new words, the children benefit from a space for expression and exchange that allows them to immerse themselves more fully in the French language. The smiles and curiosity of these young people confirmed to me that, despite the obstacles, they have an incredible thirst for learning.
These activities also remind me of the importance of community involvement in children's education. Parents, teachers and community actors must work together to reduce the educational gaps between cities and villages.
This internship offers me an enriching perspective on the role of education in the development of a country. Learning French, although essential, must be adapted to local realities to guarantee inclusive education. The workshops that I lead, although a simple link in the chain, allow me to contribute modestly to this mission. They also show me that solutions exist, but that they require collective will and sustainable investment.