A specialised training workshop aimed at strengthening parental education for families with children with disabilities was held in Yamoussoukro under the “Strong Families” initiative.
Organised by the Ministry of Women, Family and Children (MFFE) in partnership with UNICEF, the session targeted 38 field agents from special education complexes across the country’s 31 regions.
The program, part of the Vulnerable Children and Adolescents Protection Program (PPEAV), is designed to ensure that all localities, including the most remote areas, benefit from enhanced parental guidance and educational support.
“Many children with disabilities do not receive educational support adapted to their specific needs. Most of the families concerned do not receive any specialized support in parental education.
This reality reflects an insufficient supply of adapted services and calls for an urgent and coordinated response,” said N’guessan Valérie Victoire épouse Sika, coordinating director of PPEAV, at the opening of the workshop.
The training emphasized practical strategies for parents of children aged 8 to 17, equipping them with skills to foster balanced family dynamics and prevent educational or social decline.
“Strong Families is a prevention program that aims to give families the skills necessary to lead a balanced and harmonious life, where each member contributes positively to their development,” explained Aka Florent, regional director of MFFE in Agnéby-Tiassa and a workshop trainer.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions focused on inclusive parenting techniques, communication strategies, and the identification of early signs of social or educational difficulties.
The program also highlights the role of families in combating the rise of street children, a phenomenon the ministry describes as “gangrene” affecting society.
By integrating disability awareness into parental education, the initiative seeks not only to enhance the welfare of children with special needs but also to strengthen overall family cohesion.
Officials hope that this approach will create a sustainable support system for vulnerable children while promoting inclusive development across Ivory Coast.
The MFFE plans to expand the program nationwide, ensuring that knowledge and resources reach even the most isolated communities.
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