City
Yamoussoukro, a school town with a basilica and a lake
A 2023 study examines the spatial distribution of Yamoussoukro’s secondary schools. INP-HB grew from four schools into a polytechnic with three sites in Yamoussoukro; the basilica was dedicated in 1990, and a 2024 AFP report quotes a resident and the district governor about the crocodile lake; the governor says its water is sacred to the Baoulé.
At a glance
A place worth remembering
Notre-Dame de la Paix: dedication and stained glass
John Paul II dedicated the basilica on 10 September 1990. In his homily, he described a social centre planned around the sanctuary, beginning with a hospital and then an institution for the training of young people. Éric Bonte’s biography states that he was entrusted in 1987 with the basilica’s stained-glass windows and created France Vitrail International for the project.[4][5]
INP-HB: one polytechnic on three sites
The Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB) was created in 1996 by bringing together four schools: the National School of Agronomy (ENSA), the National School of Public Works (ENSTP), the Bouaké Agricultural Institute and the National Institute for Technical Education (INSET). It now has three sites in the town. Site Sud, completed in 1979 for ENSTP, is recognisable by its arcades. Site Centre was built in 1983 as the seat of INSET. Site Nord hosts agronomy, research and innovation, the doctoral school, a teaching farm (ferme d’application) and a unit called Usine École du Nord. Kouamé Armand Kouassi’s study describes Lycée Mamie Adjoua (created in 1962) and Lycée Scientifique (1975) as selective secondary schools that appear as feeder schools (“pépinières”) for INP-HB.[2][3][1]
Lac aux Caïmans: crocodiles and local accounts
The Lac aux Caïmans is one of Yamoussoukro’s lakes where crocodiles live; AFP places it next to the former Houphouët-Boigny house. Le360 Afrique calls the animals the town’s sacred reptiles, and AFP uses both “caiman” and “crocodile” for them. AFP’s 3 February 2024 report quotes a resident describing a Baoulé tradition of speaking by the lake about personal troubles and wishes, and district governor Thiam, who says its water is sacred to the Baoulé of Yamoussoukro.[6][7]
Good to know
A few clear answers before you explore.
Who dedicated the Notre-Dame de la Paix basilica, and when?
John Paul II dedicated it on 10 September 1990, according to the text of his homily on the Vatican website.[4]
Which INP-HB sites date from the late 1970s and early 1980s?
INP-HB says Site Sud was completed in 1979 for the former ENSTP and Site Centre was built in 1983 as the seat of the former INSET.[3]
Why is the lake significant to the Baoulé community?
A resident told AFP that people speak by the lake about their troubles and wishes as part of Baoulé tradition; governor Thiam says its water is sacred to the Baoulé of Yamoussoukro.[6]
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