The Ivorian government has taken a new step in its fight against school exclusion. On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Moustapha Sangaré, Chief of Staff representing the Minister of National Education, officially launched the BRIDGE Côte d'Ivoire project.

This ambitious program aims to offer a second chance to the most vulnerable populations through a flexible and adapted educational system.

A lever for inclusion and dignity

Supported by the Official Development Assistance of the Republic of Korea , the BRIDGE project is part of a dynamic of international cooperation between the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU) and its Ivorian counterpart (CNI-UNESCO).

The objective is clear: to meet Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) by guaranteeing quality education for all. Côte d'Ivoire is making history by becoming the first French-speaking country in West Africa to join this program.

“For those excluded from traditional educational paths, literacy is much more than just learning: it is a gateway to autonomy and dignity.” — Moustapha Sangaré

The project's pillars: 2026-2030

The project's deployment is based on two main axes to reach children, young people and adults:

1. The Transition Classes: Intended for children aged 9 to 14 who are not in school or have dropped out of school.
2. Literacy Centres: Designed for adults and young people who are illiterate.

Key figures and deployment

Objectives 2026-2030	Launch (As early as 2026)	Priority areas
150 bridging classes	20 open classes	Districts of Abidjan 2
45 literacy centers	10 centers open	Districts of Abidjan 4

A concrete response to social challenges

For Soro N'Golo, Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO, BRIDGE is not just a simple transfer of knowledge. It is a tool for sustainable socio-economic integration and strengthening of citizenship.

With this vision in mind, the director of non-formal education, Traoré Suzanne, reiterated the commitment of the technical teams to transform this project into a concrete success on the ground, for the direct benefit of the hundreds of learners expected this year.