Association Imagine le Monde – AIM
Think Human Foundation
Mission & History
The Association Imagine le Monde (AIM) is an apolitical, non-denominational organization focused on promoting human rights in fields such as social issues, education, disability, women’s empowerment, health, and the environment. Founded in 2013 in both France and Côte d’Ivoire, AIM works primarily with underprivileged communities in the Port-Bouët Gonzagueville district of Abidjan and rural areas of the Iffou region. The organization is driven by values of solidarity, fraternity, sharing, and commitment, aiming to create a world where each person’s uniqueness is embraced and vulnerable people are led toward self-sufficiency. AIM is dedicated to ensuring access to quality education, supporting the social integration of individuals with disabilities, and enhancing women’s economic empowerment.
Marie-Donatienne El Khalil, AIM’s President, first connected with Africa during a 1994 volunteer project in Burkina Faso, which spurred her ongoing commitment to the continent and social work. Her experiences led to her permanent settlement in Côte d’Ivoire in 2009, leveraging her background to help co-found AIM in 2013. Under her leadership, AIM continues to fight for a just world by initiating programs that improve reproductive and environmental health, provide social support, and raise awareness of critical societal issues—all encompassing a modest yet meaningful impact.
Country Information
Ivory Coast has made significant progress in education in recent years. According to data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the primary school completion rate in 2022 was 68% for girls and 69% for boys. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding school dropout rates. The dropout rate stands at 12.9%, with a higher incidence in rural areas (15.9%) and among boys (13.9%).
To combat this issue, several initiatives have been implemented. For instance, during the 2022-2023 school year, out of 3,249 students identified as at risk of dropping out, 2,827 were retained in the education system through specific programs.
In this context, Association Imagine le Monde (AIM) launched the “Classe Coup de Pouce” in December 2023 to support children in its school sponsorship program who struggle with reading and writing. This initiative aims to provide personalized support to enhance their academic success. These efforts, both at the national and community levels, are essential to improving access to quality education and reducing school dropout rates in Ivory Coast.
The Need
In December 2023, the Association Imagine le Monde (AIM) launched the “Class Coup de Pouce” program to address a pressing issue: many children in its school sponsorship program struggled significantly with reading and writing, which impeded their academic progress. To support these children effectively, AIM established this personalized support system. The program caters to ten primary school students, providing a secure and supportive environment where each child receives tailored assistance to meet their specific needs. Using innovative teaching methods and focusing on individual challenges, the program has led to notable improvements in students’ foundational reading and writing skills, as well as their self-confidence and motivation.
To maximize the effectiveness of the “Class Coup de Pouce” and create optimal learning conditions, several material needs have been identified. These essential resources include computer equipment like computers, printers, and tablets to facilitate digital learning and incorporate technological tools into the educational process. Additionally, there is a need for a school bus to ensure regular and safe transportation for the children, allowing them consistent access to school. Everyday life materials are also necessary to ensure a comfortable and functional living environment at the Maison du Cœur. These resources are crucial in providing the necessary conditions for the children’s educational and personal development.
The Project We Fund
The project we fund is showing promising results. This year, the Class Coup de Pouce has expanded from 9 to 13 children, creating more opportunities for students to progress in a supportive environment tailored to their specific needs. Our mission remains to provide an educational setting that recognizes each child’s difficulties and uniqueness, thereby enhancing their chances of academic success and self-esteem. After the first operational year, we’ve seen encouraging outcomes, with evident intellectual awakening and noticeable improvements in the self-confidence and behavior of participating children, although academic progress varies among them.
The success is further supported by our newly expanded educational team, including former teachers and specialized educators like Fatim, Samuel, Nuria, Céline, Fabienne, and Audrey, a volunteer from France. Their dedication and expertise significantly bolster our program’s effectiveness. Each child receives personalized psychological follow-up from the listening and assessment center, aiming for more targeted support, with 6 children already evaluated for learning. Additionally, our weekly social skills workshops play a crucial role in enhancing students’ autonomy and social interactions. The experience of the Class Coup de Pouce underscores the importance of individualized support for children facing academic challenges, and we remain committed to extending this initiative to benefit more children, shaping futures aligned with their ambitions.
The Result
AIM has implemented a robust strategy for the individualized follow-up of children, marked by a plurality of actions designed to promote personalized support and regular evaluations. This multifaceted approach allows for a thorough measurement of progress in both academic areas—such as reading, writing, and mathematics—and in the development of social skills. Through regular exchanges and feedback from school teachers, the fund can effectively monitor the evolution of students’ performance in school.
Home visits (VAD) have played a crucial role in understanding parents’ perspectives and tracking the progress made. These interactions highlight the paradigm shift in parental attitudes, as new ways of perceiving and engaging with their children emerge. This shift denotes enhanced involvement and a reevaluation of parental roles.
Observations by facilitators, educators, and therapists provide vital insight into the impact of these interventions. They note the increased involvement of children in activities, their initiative, commitment, autonomy, and participation during sessions. A notable highlight was the children’s active involvement in creating a team tale, which was staged and performed during the education festival at AIM on June 27, 2025.
This event marked a significant milestone in showcasing the progress achieved. Regularly recorded observations in reports further underscore the strong engagement of children during social skills activities, facilitated by a dedicated team of psychologists and therapists.
Testimonies
“I started the Class Coup de Pouce at 12 years old, not knowing how to read or write. Now, at 14, I can read, write sentences, and even recite my multiplication tables. My favorite subject is mathematics!”
“Before, I felt behind compared to others, as if I didn’t belong. But here, at Coup de Pouce, the teachers really listen to me. They give me time and attention, and that makes all the difference. I enjoy coming here. I love learning. And I also enjoy talking with Céline, the psychologist. With her, I can say what I’m feeling, what I keep inside. It feels good.”
“Later, I would like to be a police officer or play football. Before, I didn’t even dare dream about my future. Now, I know it’s possible. Thank you to Coup de Pouce for believing in me.” -Christ Roi-
“People told me that I was worthless because I couldn’t read. Coup de Pouce taught me to read and helped me do mathematics. It brought me things. Now I know how to do it so I have confidence in myself. Thank you to Coup de Pouce who helped me succeed in my 6th grade entrance exam.” -Kouamé Grâce, 14, CM2-
“Coup de pouce helped me to know things, to improve myself, to respect people, to know how to calm down, not to make a fuss. Coup de pouce taught me to make divisions, decompositions. We even made CM2 compositions.” –Affo Eunice, 10, CM1-
“I learned to study, to improve at school and then to do mathematics; Today I’m happy. My friends don’t make fun of me anymore. I have confidence and I know that it will be okay if I continue.” -Ouattara Leila, 10, CM1-
