Discovering African Heritage Through Experience

Leaders International Academy on Friday, 9 October 2025, embarked on an educational excursion to the Kiyi African Village. The purpose of the trip was to learn more about African culture and traditions through direct observation and participation.

The students assembled at school at 9:00 a.m. and travelled by bus with their teachers. They arrived at the African Village at approximately 9:50 a.m., where they received a warm welcome from the guides.

One of the first things the students noticed was the collection of sculptures displayed throughout the village. The guides provided explanations about the sculptures and their significance in African culture. Through these presentations, the students learned about traditional African values, history, and artistic expression.

During the visit, students explored a variety of cultural attractions. They observed traditional buildings and saw different types of plants, including mango and papaya trees. The excursion also included several cultural activities such as singing, dancing, drumming, and sculpture-related demonstrations. These activities allowed the students to experience African traditions in an engaging and memorable way.

The visit encouraged curiosity and active learning. Students asked several questions about the exhibits and cultural symbols. One question focused on the meaning of the colours used on a traditional mask. The guide explained that the colours represented important aspects of African culture and tradition.

The students also learned about the work carried out by the people at the village. They discovered the effort required to preserve cultural artefacts and promote African traditions to visitors. Discussions with the guides helped the students understand both the importance of cultural preservation and some of the challenges faced by those working in the cultural sector. One challenge highlighted during the visit was the difficulty of finding reliable markets and sales outlets for traditional cultural products. The guides explained that limited opportunities to sell their products reduce the income generated by the facility, making it more difficult to sustain and expand their activities.

Many aspects of the excursion left a lasting impression. Some students were particularly fascinated by the sculptures, while others admired the traditional buildings and artistic displays. The richness of African culture was evident throughout the village.

Reflecting on the experience, the students explained that the excursion was both educational and enjoyable because it provided an opportunity to learn many new things about African culture. The magnificent art, traditional displays, and cultural activities made the visit especially memorable.

The excursion highlighted the importance of understanding and preserving African heritage. It reminded students that Africa possesses rich cultural traditions, artistic talents, and valuable knowledge that should be appreciated and celebrated.

Reflecting on the experience, the middle school students of Leaders International Academy agreed that the excursion helped them develop a greater appreciation for African culture and traditions. As they expressed in their collective reflection, “We learned many new things about our culture, our history, and our artistic heritage. This experience made us proud of our African identity and showed us why it is important to preserve our traditions for future generations.”

Student Journalism Project

Middle School Department
Leaders International Academy
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire