Maurice-Kouakou Bandaman, Minister of Culture and Francophonie of Côte d’Ivoire, met with students in Nice yesterday for a symbolic passing of the torch.
The students of the Port elementary school were all waiting for him in the courtyard. Upon the arrival of Maurice-Kouakou Bandaman and Philippe Jourdan, Academic Director of National Education Services for Alpes-Maritimes, the children welcomed them with a guard of honor to the rhythm of African music.
Then, the students presented the minister with a painting they made representing Côte d’Ivoire. The students of Nice created 55 paintings, each representing a delegation of the Francophonie Games. The remaining paintings are displayed at Acropolis and were crafted using various techniques and materials. The visit ended with an autograph session to the great delight of the students.
The works are the result of effort by the teachers and students over the course of a year. The gift presented to the minister also symbolizes a passing of the torch from Nice to Abidjan, which will host the next Francophonie Games in four years.
