Holiday Community Program for Children and Families

December 2024

SPOTLIGHT

📅 Date: December 21, 2024

📍 Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

The Kia Yusuf Foundation hosted a holiday community program in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, creating a structured gathering during the year-end period where children and families could come together, spend time in a shared setting, and receive essential and educational items.

The program was held at Parc d’Attraction, a centrally located public recreational venue in Abidjan designed for organized play, group activities, and family-oriented gatherings. The venue includes dedicated game zones, open activity areas, and shared recreational spaces that allow large groups of children and families to gather in a supervised environment. Its location and capacity made it possible to host a single, unified gathering rather than smaller, fragmented distributions.

Approximately 150 children and family members participated in the program.

Throughout the program, children moved between different activity areas within the park, participating in games and recreational attractions available at the venue. These activities were part of the location itself and were separate from the distribution of items. The setting allowed children to experience structured play, shared enjoyment, and time together in a purpose-built recreational environment.

A central part of the program was the distribution of family kits and children’s items. These materials were prepared to address everyday needs while also recognizing the importance of the holiday period for children. Items provided during the program included:

Basic household necessity items for family use
Food and essential supplies
Educational materials for children
Children’s books written and published by the Foundation, including The Adventures of Kia Yusuf
Toys provided as holiday gifts for children

The inclusion of the Foundation’s published children’s book reflected an emphasis on literacy, learning, and positive storytelling alongside the provision of essential goods.In addition to item distribution, children had access to on-site games and attractions within Parc d’Attraction. These games and activities allowed children to play, explore, and spend time in a recreational setting designed for group participation.

The program also incorporated cultural participation from invited contributors. In many African communities, music, humor, and public expression are part of how families gather during seasonal moments. These elements support shared experience and familiarity in community settings that bring together families from different backgrounds.

Participating contributors included Vitale, a leading female artist in Côte d’Ivoire widely recognized in contemporary Ivorian music; Landry Blessing, an Ivorian singer and performer known for music rooted in everyday community life; Boris Gouma, an Ivorian comedian whose work reflects daily social experience; Yasmine Reda, a media personality familiar to broad family audiences; Coach Farrah, an international women’s empowerment advocate; and many other community figures who were present during the program. Their participation formed part of the overall atmosphere of the day rather than a staged performance or promotional event.

The presence of cultural figures contributed to an environment that felt familiar and accessible to children and families. Music, humor, and public presence supported a setting where families could gather comfortably and children could experience the occasion as a shared holiday moment.

The program brought together children and families for a structured holiday gathering centered on time, participation, and shared experience.

Featured Voices

This initiative features prominent voices in music, media, comedy, and advocacy whose work is widely recognized across Côte d’Ivoire and internationally. Their participation forms part of the public and cultural presentation of the program.

Vitale

Recording Artist | Côte d’Ivoire

Award-winning Ivorian recording artist and one of the most prominent figures in contemporary popular music in Côte d’Ivoire.

Landry Blessing

Singer & Performer

Ivorian singer and live performer known for music rooted in everyday social life and community storytelling.

Braising Girl

Television Host & Media Personality

Ivorian television host and media figure known for work across broadcast television and digital platforms.

Boris Gouma

Comedian & Entertainer

Ivorian comedian and entertainer whose work reflects daily social experience and shared humor across broad audiences.

Coach Farrah

Women’s Leadership Advocate

International advocate focused on women’s leadership, public speaking, and community engagement initiatives.

Yasmine Reda

Television Personality

Television personality and media figure familiar to family audiences through entertainment and broadcast media.

Willy Dumbo

Television Host & Media Personality

National television host and media figure, widely recognized for shaping public conversation through mainstream broadcast programming.

A Community Celebration

This holiday event reflects the Kia Yusuf Foundation’s commitment to fostering unity and spreading joy within underserved communities. It’s a day to come together, share in the festive spirit, and create lasting memories.