In classrooms across Côte d’Ivoire, teachers learn to spot signs of risk of violence

In a classroom, a child who suddenly stops speaking, repeatedly misses school or reacts aggressively may be signalling a problem that extends beyond learning difficulties. Recognising these situations is part of the work discussed during training sessions delivered to 4,800 teachers across Côte d'Ivoire through the REUSSIR project.

The initiative is part of a broader effort on school violence prevention Côte d'Ivoire, where teachers are often the first adults outside the family to observe changes in a child's behaviour.

According to the 2025 Statistical Yearbook of the Ministry of Women, Family and Children, 79% of reported victims of sexual violence in the country are under the age of 18. Against this backdrop, AVSI has been working with schools to strengthen the ability of teachers and school leaders to identify warning signs, report cases and activate existing protection mechanisms.

The training programme reached teachers from 800 primary schools located in 18 regions of the country.

During the sessions, participants examined practical situations they encounter in classrooms every day: children showing signs of isolation, frequent absenteeism, sudden behavioural changes or difficulties interacting with classmates.

Teachers reviewed reporting procedures and discussed how to document concerns and refer cases through existing child protection channels.

"We now know that a child who is unusually quiet, aggressive or constantly absent may be asking for help," one participant explained after the training.

Rather than focusing only on theory, the sessions encouraged teachers to observe daily behaviours and identify situations that may require further attention.

Part of the programme involved exchanges between teachers and school leaders from different areas of the country.

At the Adjahui-Coubé 1 and 4 school complex in Abidjan, participants discussed recurring situations of conflict and violence observed among students. Teachers compared approaches already used in their schools, examining what happened before incidents escalated and how interventions were organised.

The discussions highlighted common challenges faced by schools operating in different regions and contexts. Participants shared concrete examples related to student disputes, school absenteeism and communication with families.

These meetings created opportunities for education professionals to compare experiences gathered in the field rather than relying solely on standard procedures.

REUSSIR (Renforcement de la qualité du Système de l'Instruction Primaire en Côte d'Ivoire) is implemented by AVSI with funding from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

The project is carried out in partnership with the Ivorian Ministry of Education and its regional education offices (DRENA).

Over four years, REUSSIR will work in 800 schools and 20 Regional Directorates of National Education and Literacy across 18 regions of Côte d'Ivoire.

The programme targets primary school students, teachers, parents, school management committees and education officials. Activities include teacher training, school governance strengthening, violence prevention, catch-up classes, mobile libraries, support for birth registration, rehabilitation of 165 school buildings, rehabilitation of 150 school latrines and construction of 150 drinking water points.

Overall, the project is expected to reach 192,000 pupils, 4,800 teachers, 60,000 parents, 800 school management committees and more than 380 institutional officials.