The Ivorian government is intensifying its fight against incivility in schools. For its 2026 edition, the Citizenship Program is preparing to welcome 900 students aged 14 to 17. This flagship program, the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Promotion and the Ministry of National Education, will take place from April 1st to 11th, 2026 .

An iron frame in a velvet glove

The Civic Service centers in Daloa and Bouaké will host this fourth edition. Under the auspices of the National Youth Service (SNJ), participants will benefit from a civil-military type of training. The objective is clear: to restore discipline, respect for institutions, and strengthen social cohesion.

To achieve this, the National Civic Service Office (OSCN) is partnering with key players:

1. The National Gendarmerie Training Group;
2. The Scouts of Ivory Coast;
3. Various technical and institutional experts.

Addressing the scourges of the school environment

The Citizenship Pathway is not just a simple training program; it is a direct response to the ills plaguing Ivorian schools. The program primarily targets:

1. The phenomenon of early leave ;
2. Violence in educational settings;
3. Exposure to drugs and alcohol;
4. Cybercrime and abuses on social media.

“We are convinced that this edition will contribute significantly to building a disciplined youth, capable of meeting the development challenges of our country,” said Amara Coulibaly , Director General of the OSCN.

Selection criteria

The selection of the 900 citizenship ambassadors is made by school principals and regional directorates (DRENAET). Particular attention is paid to gender parity and to students with a greater need for behavioral guidance.

Did you know that?

Since its inception in 2022, this initiative has already transformed the lives of 1,742 students . With this new cohort, the Ivorian government reaffirms its commitment to placing responsibility and civic engagement at the heart of national development.