Kindergarten and primaryschool "Jarden D'infant" -
Abidjan, Ivory Coast

This project started in 1982 by an Ananda Marga missionary nun. The focal start was the Kindergarten section beside children home for orphaned children, and a women’s centre. The school extended its premises and opened the primary classrooms in 1993. There are over 300 students housed within nine classrooms, seating three to a table and bench. The kindergarten has 30 students per classroom, arranged in circular seating fashion. The classrooms surround a paved yard with garden boarders. There is space for school assembly which is held outside in the mornings. Behind the school is a small neighbourhood sand area where the children can also play sports and games.

The teachers were trained volunteers from the local areas. The initial style of teaching follows the standard chalk-on-board style of teaching. We are re-introducing teacher training, and welcome volunteers with techniques in art and crafts, music, drama or other creative expressions to share with the staff and children.

The location is in Yopoungon- an outer suburb of low-income families within the capital city of Cote D'ivore, Abidjan. The school enclosure is surrounded by residential units bordering the local market-place. It is not unusual for music to be heard non-stop from dusk to dawn as night dancing and church entertainment is common in our street. It is a densely populated area with a lively atmosphere, the children attending our school are enthusiastic and eager students. The people are proud of their strong cultural heritage, and a basic knowledge of French language is essential for any visitor or volunteer.

At present some Neohumanist Education practices being introduced to the children during school assemblies, such as 'quiet times' and self reflection during the classes is the next step towards introducing meditation into the daily schedule.

The future growth of the school is towards a broadening the curriculum including more of the Art and Creative subjects, music, sports and games. These are being introduced to the children as electives available in the breaks and after school hours.

On the physical level, the school is looking towards extending it's buildings into three-story construction, allowing greater play-space and larger classrooms, gymnasium and library.