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Architecture Is Silent, Upholding a Century of Education - the University of San Pedro

WIETC’s Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives in Africa——Architecture Is Silent, Upholding a Century of Education - the University of San Pedro Project in Côte d'Ivoire 

An important part of this program is the University of San Pedro project, which is located in San Pedro, the second largest port city in Côte d'Ivoire. This project is being developed by WIETC through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), including investment, construction and operation, with an operation period of 15 years. As the city's first higher education institution, the construction has attracted attention from the very beginning, with the then-Prime Minister, Koulibaly, personally presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony. The completion of the university can not only effectively improve the level of local higher education, but also bring new vigor and vitality to the city.

The project of the University of San Pedro in Côte d'Ivoire encompasses various facilities, including teaching areas, administrative offices, scientific research laboratories, student accommodation, staff accommodation, logistical services, sports facilites, etc. It comprises more than 100 buildings with a total construction area of 205,100 square meters. The first phase of the project will accommodate 3,000 students, the second phase 7,000 students, aiming to reach 15,000 students in the third phase. And upon completion of the fourth phase, the capacity will be expanded to accommodate 20,000 students.

In October 2021, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the project team overcame difficulties and successfully delivered six standalone buildings, which can meet the educational needs of 3,000 students. In the same month, the University of San Pedro welcomed its first batch of new students, with the Ivorian Minister of Education personally presiding over the opening ceremony.

The 2021 University of San Pedro Opening Ceremony

After the beginning of the new semester, the University of San Pedro project site became the best practice base. While ensuring safety, the university organized students to visit the site and learn construction knowledge. During the practice process, the students transformed the book knowledge into practical operation skills, and took their first step from theory to practice.

San Pedro University is located in a relatively spacious area on the outskirts of the city. After the completion of the university, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people coming and going, and street vendors have become more prevalent , making the surrounding area more lively. WIETC actively implements localized operation by purchasing bulk materials locally, promotes local consumption, and increases local economic vitality. At the same time, a large number of local employees were hired. This helps the employees upgrade their skills, improve their lives, and alleviate the pressure on local employment.

Seaga, a local driver, joined our company's project team during the early stages of the construction of University of San Pedro. At that time, his family didn’t have a house, and his three children often went without enough food. After Seaga joined the project, he had a steady income, and through hard work, his salary steadily increased. Four years later, his family has built three big houses, bought a color TV, refrigerator, sofa and air conditioner. And life is getting better and better. His eldest son is 18 years old. Shaga said that he will have him also learn to operate a dump truck and excavator, and try to make money. Only by learning the real skills, one can have more opportunities in the future.

Nowadays, more and more people are entering the  university. Felikame, 19 years old, is a sophomore at the University of San Pedro. She said, "In the past, the young people around me, after graduating from high school, had no other options besides running small businesses, working in the fields, or taking odd jobs in the market. But things are different now. This university started enrolling students. I feel very fortunate to go to the university."

New students enrolled in the University of San Pedro in October 2021

Professor MÉKÉ Maïté, President of the University of San Pedro, said, "We are training nearly 800 students in different specialties. We've seen a reduction in poverty because the school gives subsidy to students to help them learn better. Recently, the surrounding villages have also started to develop, especially with the addition of new buildings. Lighting, water supply, sanitation and employment have been greatly improved. And there are more women's clothing stores."

Mr. Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said, "We are confident that future university graduates will go to society and contribute to the development of the country. We are grateful for the cooperation between WIETC and the government, which has given us hope for a brighter future."

Architecture is silent, upholding a century of education. The completion of the University of San Pedro will help ease the shortage of higher education resources in Côte d'Ivoire, relieve the pressure on the original higher education institutions, and provide a broader platform for talent training. At the same time, it will also promote social development and cultural exchanges, which is conducive to more open and diversified development of Côte d'Ivoire. It is foreseeable that the University of San Pedro will bring a promising future to more young people.