One of my goals when moving back to Abidjan was to raise my daughter to be fully bilingual and multicultural.
While I can say that we reached that objective, it hasn’t been all smooth. Raising bilingual children comes with its fair share of challenges anywhere. But in Abidjan, where French is the primary language, the task can feel even more daunting. As parents looking to raise bilingual French-English kids here, we face unique obstacles, from the availability of schools to resources and cultural perceptions.
Today I’m sharing with you some of the challenges we encountered here, and how we overcame them.
1. It’s Hard to Find Good and Affordable Bilingual Schools in Abidjan
One of the biggest hurdles for parents raising bilingual children in Abidjan is the scarcity of bilingual schools. While there are some good bilingual schools available, they are not as common as one might hope.
Plus, most of these schools tend to be on the expensive side. This makes it challenging for families who are looking for quality education without breaking the bank.
For those of us living in the suburbs, like Grand Bassam or Bingerville, the situation is even trickier. The options for bilingual education become more limited. And the options for schools that do exist may not offer the curriculum you want for your child.
2. An Anti-Bilingual Mindset in Schools Makes Raising Bilingual Children Difficult in Abidjan
Although many schools in Abidjan have the word “international” in their names, they usually offer a French curriculum and are heavily French culture-centered. The focus tends to be on teaching French as the primary language, with English often treated as a secondary language.
I was once told at a parent meeting at my kid’s school that the main language spoken at home should be French since the teaching is in French at school.
This anti-bilingual mindset is a challenge for parents who want their children to develop fluency in both languages.
Ivorian schools, which follow the national Ivorian program, also offer English as a second language. English taught in schools in Abidjan is typically academic and grammar-focused, rather than fostering true bilingualism through practical usage and immersion.
3. It’s Tough to Raise Bilingual Children When There’s a Lack of Bilingual Resources
Finding bilingual materials in Abidjan is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Bookstores offer very few bilingual or English-language books, making it hard for children to immerse themselves in English outside of school. We brought all the books in English we have at the house from the US.
Libraries, too, are a challenge. There are two main public libraries in Abidjan that cater to children – the National Library and the Institut Français library – but neither offers a substantial collection of English or bilingual books
There’s no story time or reading sessions available in English. I remember how much story time was such an important routine for us in the US. How much my girl developed her love for reading through those library programs. And they simply don’t exist here.
While there are some efforts from the American Embassy to cater to adult audiences through centers and events, there is little on offer for kids. Without a wealth of bilingual materials or programs geared toward young learners, it’s difficult to expose children to English in an engaging and consistent way.
4. There’s a Lack of Exposure to English in Daily Life in Abidjan
One of the greatest challenges when raising bilingual children in Abidjan is the limited exposure to English in daily life. French is the main language in Abidjan. So of course, English is often limited to the classroom, where it is taught in a formal, academic manner. For many children, this means that English can feel detached from their everyday experiences, making it harder to retain and use the language outside of school.
The city also has very few outlets where English is a part of daily life. For example, only one movie theater in Abidjan shows films in their original language, which means there are limited opportunities for children to engage with English-language content.
5. Options are Limited for Kids English Activities
Although there are a couple of centers offering English language activities, such as Marie McLeod’s Centre d’Activités en Anglais for children and Em’s Club for Kids, these options are still limited. Both centers offer after-school activities, homework help, and English-based programs, but there’s still a shortage of places to send kids for extracurricular English activities.
This lack of diverse options can make it difficult for parents to provide enough exposure to English outside of school.
6. There’s No Bilingual Parent Groups to Support Parents in Raising Bilingual Children in Abidjan
One challenge that often goes unnoticed is the lack of support networks for bilingual families. In many places, there are parent groups or clubs where families can connect, share advice, and support one another in raising bilingual children. However, in Abidjan, these kinds of bilingual parent groups are almost non-existent. Without a community of like-minded parents, it can feel isolating to navigate the intricacies of bilingual education and raise children who can thrive in both French and English.
Raising bilingual children in Abidjan can be a challenge. But don’t be discouraged! With intention and consistency, it’s possible to create a thriving bilingual environment at home.
Here’s how our family works to maintain and strengthen our bilingual education journey for our kids despite all the challenges.
How We Maintain Bilingual Education for Our Kids in Abidjan Despite the Challenges
The Language at Home is English
At home, we mostly speak English, thanks to my husband, who is an English speaker. As the bilingual parent, I make efforts to speak English at home.
We Embrace Screen Time (with moderation!)
We prioritize English for most of our screen time, with the kids watching English shows and cartoons that keep them engaged. This consistent exposure to English helps them absorb the language in a fun and interactive way.
We Read Books in the Minority Language
Another important part of our daily routine is reading books in English at bedtime. It’s our little ritual. It gives the kids an opportunity to hear new words, practice pronunciation, and connect with the language in a meaningful way. Reading before bed helps build their vocabulary and love for the language, all while winding down for the night.
We Hang Out with Other Families Raising Bilingual Children
Beyond the home environment, we intentionally seek out other bilingual families to spend time with. It’s important for our kids to see other children using both languages in everyday settings. This helps them feel that bilingualism is a valuable skill and motivates them to use both languages confidently.
Create a Bilingual Family Community to Support Each Other
On top of that, I am currently working on creating a bilingual parents’ community in Abidjan. The goal is to support other families in raising bilingual children, share tips, and exchange experiences. It’s a chance for us to come together, encourage one another, and navigate the unique challenges of bilingual education in a city where resources are limited.
If you’re interested in joining this community or learning more, please send an email to backtotheotherland@gmail.com to be added to the waitlist. Together, we can support each other in creating a thriving bilingual environment for our kids!
Raising Bilingual Children in Abidjan is Tough But Doable
Raising bilingual French-English kids in Abidjan certainly comes with its set of challenges. From the limited availability of bilingual schools to the scarcity of resources and a lack of daily exposure to English, parents face a steep uphill battle. However, for those willing to put in the effort, there are pockets of support and a growing community of families who are managing to create bilingual environments for their children.
The key lies in making the most of what is available – from schools and extracurricular activities to encouraging English exposure at home and through digital media. With determination and creativity, it’s possible to raise bilingual children, even in a French-speaking city.
