France & Ivory Coast: From correspondence to actions for sustainable cities.
As part of the twinning between Nice and Abidjan, primary school pupils from Nice and the George Aristide International Institute (IIGA) carried out a joint project on SDG 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities” with a focus on coastal pollution.
In France, pupils participated in cleaning up the Nice seafront, and in Abidjan in collecting waste on the banks of the Ebrié lagoon in order to create a playground for children.
Beaching cleaning
Each class then took action by participating in the cleaning of the beaches of Nice. Over a half-day, we guided the students in this activity and raised awareness about waste sorting and water pollution, cigarette butt pollution in particular, the consequences for ecosystems and for humans with a selective sorting workshop.
In Abidjan, the village of Niangon-Lokoua is facing problems of unsanitary conditions in its Ebrié lagoon, which is used as a dumping ground for all kinds of garbage by local residents: the garbage bin is placed on the bank and the garbage, with the action of the wind, inevitably ends up in the water.
The aim was to organize a cleaning action with the students in order to clean up the edge of the lagoon to create a playground for the children.
This cleaning was carried out in February 2024, during the CAN 24 so that the students could also organize their football competition! This cleaning also made it possible to educate about sustainable development through activities on the themes of the SDGs, in particular the protection of biodiversity (SDG 14 aquatic life) as well as the importance of a healthy environment for the population (SDG 11 sustainable cities).
Following the momentum provided by the students, teachers and management of the Georges Aristide International Institute (I.I.G.A.), the objective was also to involve local residents in adopting responsible behavior by ensuring that the play area dedicated to children is kept clean.
Written correspondence
The students began the project with a written correspondence brought directly from Abidjan by Gisèle Folarin, director of the IIGA, with the support of the city of Nice. She was able to share life in Ivory Coast and address the theme of health through sport and a clean environment.
In their letter, the students were able to address the subject of sources of pollution in the city of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the eco-responsible actions they carry out (use of soft transport, collection and sorting of waste).
Videoconference meeting
Thanks to our partners on this project.
