Centre D’ Education Primaire Victoria Adjo Climbié
Video by Tom Appleby Ltd
The Victoria Climbié Charitable Trust founded in September 2003, in memory of Victoria Climbié, was established to carry the spirit that Every Child Matters to her hometown of Abobo in the Ivory Coast, by building a primary school to provide local children with the educational oppportunities that were not available to Victoria. The school is called ‘Centre D’ Education Primaire Victoria Adjo Climbié’
The school is being project-managed in‑country by Organisation Nationale Pour L’Enfant, La Femme et La Famille (ONEF), an NGO which specialises in family, child protection and education projects.
The Victoria Climbié School opened 6 October 2009 and will ultimately teach 360 children, including English and ICT.
I stumbled upon the Victoria Climbie story when researching for a university assignment in child protection. I have been so much down with grief and anger over Victoria’s abuse. I am a mother of a six year old girl, and having come to study n Australia from Kenya, I can only imagine the hopes Victoria’s mother had for her. I comment Berthe’s patience and perseverance, and I do hope that one time when I can, that I can give a hand in furthering the legacy for a better children’s education that Victoria lost her life pursuing.
To Berthe and Francis, my heart goes out to you, and I need you to know that I am united with you in keeping Victoria’s memory alive. And yes, as a case study in my assignments, Victoria is alive.
Darlene Ndasi
Western Australia.