The government has officially debunked speculations surrounding the so-called “AFCON holidays.” As students prepare to return to school early next week, the Ivorian government addressed the lingering rumor of a school break throughout the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11.
“There will be no holidays related to the organization of AFCON,” articulated the government spokesperson during the latest Ivorian Cabinet meeting, seemingly putting an end to months of speculation. The rumor suggested that schools would close their doors during the competition to facilitate smoother traffic flow in the economic capital, Abidjan.
However, students will indeed be excused from classes each time the Elephants step onto the pitch at the Ebimpe Stadium, north of the city. This amounts to at least three occasions: January 13, 18, and 22, with an additional four days if Ivory Coast reaches the final of the competition. These days off will allow middle and high school students to “support their team” and “express their civic duty,” according to government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly.
While the term “AFCON holidays” is now frowned upon, these days off will effectively replace the customary “spring break,” typically lasting four to five days in February. For students in technical and vocational education, the Minister of Communication explained that they will undergo internships in restaurants and hotel establishments due to the “high demand” for personnel during AFCON.
Despite this rearrangement, he reassured me that the number of theoretical class hours in high schools would be maintained. With the AFCON kickoff just ten days away, the competition is scheduled to run from January 13 to February 11.