According to UNESCO figures, this is a major challenge: around 20% of 6-11 year-olds do not attend school, with the rate rising to 33% for 12-14 year-olds and 60% for 15-17 year-olds. In Niger, for example, the average number of years of schooling is estimated at 3, while in Mali and Sudan it is barely better, at 4. Among girls, Niger has the lowest school enrolment rate in the world, at less than 60%.
Côte d’Ivoire is preparing to host the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 soccer tournament, proving the country’s ability to organize major sporting events such as the African Basketball Championship, the Taekwondo World Cup in 2013 and the Jeux de la Francophonie in 2017.
January 6 is World War Orphans’ Day, a reminder that every year tens of thousands of children become direct or indirect victims of armed conflict.