Ivory Coast

In 2006, the Viatorians in Africa celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in the Ivory Coast, located on the west coast of Africa. Beginning with three French Viatorians, the community has grown to more than thirty religious, the majority being native Africans. Together with associates and lay collaborators, the Viatorians conduct three coeducational schools with a combined enrollment of almost 2,000 students, a parish, and a youth center.

Their faith and dedication is very strong and has sustained them through the recent turmoil caused by acivil war. The community continues to be vibrant which has motivated young people to join the community. The faith and the enthusiasm of the community is very strong. However, the poverty stemming from the civil war is making the cost of educating the young Ivorian Viatoriansvery prohibitive. It is for this reason that the African Viatorians have appealed for help from the international community. The Province of Chicago is committed to responding to this appeal.