In October 2023, the Executive Director of the Limmat Foundation, François Geinoz, was in Abidjan / Ivory Coast, together with two members of the sub-foundation committee CPAM. They met female students who are supported by the sub-foundation and attend German courses. The aim is that some of them receive scholarships for university studies in a German-speaking country. The best three high school students among the graduates of the German courses were awarded with a prize. Besides, the visitors got to know the first two candidates for a scholarship. This encounter took place during the visit at the high school Sainte Marie. The day began with a special occasion for the official start of the school year: the raising of the flag in the presence of all 1,257 female students.

The trip also offered the opportunity to visit different schools as well as other projects supported by the Limmat Foundation. This includes the construction site of the Centre de Formation et d’Appui à l’Insertion Professionnelle CEFAIP, which is supported with a loan by the sub-foundation Rhine. The CEFAIP, very well located in the city centre, will provide professional support to students and promote the professional integration of hundreds of beneficiaries. Equally impressive was the level reached in just five years at the new Daniélou School with already 1’000 female students. Thanks to a bequest, the Limmat Foundation was able to make an important financial contribution during the first construction phase. The visit took place on the same day as the opening ceremony of a chicken coop used for educational purposes.

There is also good news to report about the hotel school Yarani, which has been supported by the Limmat Foundation for many years. Experiencing them on site made it particularly clear how important the dual Swiss education system of vocational training is. In parallel to the theoretical part at school, the students complete their practical phase in one of the partner hotels. The first year in the new system was already very successful. A visit to a social and medical centre in M’Batto-Bouaké, outside the capital, concluded the enlightening and impressive week.