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On Friday, November 15, Jane Vandenberg Institution in Côte d'Ivoire hosted a special event that left a lasting impact on both students and staff. The day coincided with National Peace Day (Journée de la Paix), a public holiday in Côte d'Ivoire, and the school seized the opportunity to organize a Dream Day for the girls—an event filled with learning, reflection, and celebration.
Maïmouna Coulibaly, the director of the school, was behind the idea to dedicate this day to something truly meaningful. With the girls free from their usual classes, it was the perfect time to offer them an enriching experience that would both inspire and empower them.
The students, aged 14 to 24, mostly come from villages around Korhogo, a city in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Some live in the school’s dormitory, while others commute daily from the city. A number of former students were also invited to join in the celebration, creating a sense of community and continuity across generations.
Education Beyond the Classroom
Jane Vandenberg Institution is unique in its approach to education. Although French is the official language of Côte d'Ivoire, many of the girls come speaking only native languages like like Senoufo or Dioula. With over 60 different languages spoken throughout the country, the school first teaches the girls to read and write in their native tongue before transitioning to French. This helps them build a strong foundation for learning and self-expression.
The curriculum at Jane Vandenberg Institution is designed to be both diverse and practical. In addition to Bible studies, students take classes in cooking, baking, sewing, computer skills, hairdressing, and business. These skills equip them to start their own small businesses—becoming self-sufficient hairdressers or tailors after just four years of study. The goal is not just academic success, but also personal empowerment and financial independence.
A Day of Reflection, Purpose, and Empowerment
The Dream Day was a moment for the girls to reflect on their value, their purpose, and how God is working through their lives. The theme of the day was one of redemption and identity—how each girl is uniquely created by God and how they can use their gifts to make a difference in the world. This message resonated deeply with the students, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds and may not have always been encouraged to see their worth. For them, Dream Day was an opportunity to embrace their identity in Christ and understand the impact they can have in their communities.
One of the most empowering moments of the day was a workshop on menstrual health. The girls learned about their menstrual cycles and were introduced to various menstrual products. This session was not only educational but also empowering, as it helped break down taboos around menstruation and encouraged open conversation about a topic that’s often shrouded in silence. The girls celebrated this newfound knowledge with joy, singing and dancing in a spontaneous expression of gratitude and empowerment.
A Meal to Remember
The day concluded with a festive meal that brought everyone together—spicy rice and chicken, a beloved dish that left everyone satisfied and full of gratitude. As they shared the meal, the girls reflected on the day’s lessons, feeling more connected to one another and to their purpose.
Dream Day at Jane Vandenberg Institution was a powerful reminder of how education can go beyond books and classrooms. It’s about fostering a sense of community, empowering young women to embrace their identity, and giving them the tools to build a future full of potential. For these girls, the day was not just a break from their usual routine—it was a chance to dream, to learn, and to grow in ways that will have a lasting impact on their lives and the communities they serve.
As the school year continues, we look forward to seeing how the seeds planted on Dream Day will continue to grow, shaping the future of these young women and, by extension, the future of Côte d'Ivoire.