Kouman

Kouman: Jeux & Patrimoine,developed as part of the regional project GamesConnect AFRICA, is a creative and educational initiative designed to introduce secondary school students in Côte d'Ivoire to the basics of video game design and interactive storytelling. Rooted in the belief that digital tools can be powerful vehicles for cultural expression, the project enables young people to explore and reinterpret their heritage through modern technologies.

A photo of adolescent wearing VR glasses in front of a Kouman banner at a Kouman Workshop in Yamoussoukro © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

The concept was developed to:

Introduce young people to the fundamentals of game design and interactive storytelling
Encourage creativity by integrating traditional Ivorian culture into digital experiences
Promote collaboration and critical thinking through hands-on learning
Create a sustainable educational resource in the form of a virtual reality (VR) exhibition
Raise awareness of digital literacy and career opportunities in the video game industry

The project will take place in four cities (Yamoussoukro, Abidjan, Man & Danané) with week-long workshops held in local museums. These sessions will guide students through the game creation process while encouraging them to incorporate cultural artifacts and stories into their productions. The project will culminate in a virtual reality experience showcasing their work, which will then be made accessible to future visitors in the partner museums.

Kouman Workshop Yamoussoukro

A gruop of Kouman Workshop participants wearing Kouman branded T-shirts © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Eine Gruppe von Teilnehmern des Kouman-Workshops in T-Shirts mit dem Kouman-Logo © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Eine Gruppe von Menschen, die Brettspiele spielen © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A group of Kouman workshop participants working together on a computer. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A Kouman workshop participant giving a thumbs up, standing in front of a monitor showing Kouman workshop related content. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A group of participants in the Kouman workshop work together on a computer. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A Kouman workshop participant wearing a VR glasses in front of a Kouman banner. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A Kouman workshop participant in front of a Kouman banner. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A Kouman workshop participant helping another participant to put on VR glasses. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A Kouman workshop instructor standing next to a participant wearing and using VR glasses. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A smiling Kouman workshop participant wearing VR glasses with his arms in the air. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A group of Kouman participants wearing matching white t-shirts with a colorful graphic of a person using virtual reality technology, engaging in an interactive experience with a VR headset. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A Kouman participant is using a virtual reality headset and controllers in an indoor space with other participants engaged in technology-related activities, surrounded by computer equipment. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A group of Kouman participants gathered indoors, engaging in conversation and handshakes. The individuals wear a mix of traditional and formal attire. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Engaged attendees at Kouman 2025, seated in a row and clapping enthusiastically, showcasing vibrant attire and active participation. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A group of seated Kouman participants, with one individual speaking into a microphone labeled "Goethe Institute." The attendees are dressed in formal and traditional attire. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A group of Kouman workshop participants involved engaged in a learning session in front of a computer, with an instructor providing guidance. The students are focused on their screens, working with educational content in a classroom setting. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A group of Kouman workshop participants, with some seated at desks using computers and others standing and observing. One person holds a microphone labeled "Côte d'Ivoire," suggesting an presentation. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A group of Kouman workshop participants gathering with individuals dressed in colorful traditional attire, engaged in conversation. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Group photo from a Kouman event in 2025, showcasing four participants standing together. One individual holds a certificate of participation, with a vibrant digital-themed banner in the background highlighting the year 2025. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Award presentation at Kouman 2025, with participants in front of a colorful banner promoting culture through games. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Group photo at Kouman 2025 in Yamoussoukro, featuring participants in traditional and formal attire standing before a vibrant Kouman banner promoting cultural connection through game design. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

A group photo at Kouman 2025 event, featuring participants proudly holding certificates of participation in front of a colorful banner with the Kouman logo. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Kouman Workshop Abidjan

Jugendliche Teilnehmer von Kouman 2025 in Abidjan gehen an einem farbenfrohen Wandgemälde vorbei in Richtung Eingang des MuCAT. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Art-focused moment at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, with attendees photographing and observing gallery pieces. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Art appreciation at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, with a participant photographing a detailed side-profile painting in gold and brown tones, highlighting the event’s creative and cultural focus. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Students engaging with a vibrant architectural-themed art installation at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, set against a bright yellow gallery wall in a modern exhibition space. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Participant capturing a photo at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, set against a vibrant backdrop of miniature building facades, showcasing the event’s artistic and lively atmosphere. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Collaborative moment at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, with three participants working at a computer in a library surrounded by shelves of colorful books. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Participants working at computer stations during Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, in a well-lit room equipped with monitors, bookshelves, and various tech gear. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Interactive moment at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, with participants gathered around a computer workstation in a lively setting, highlighting collaboration and cultural engagement. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Collaborative digital workshop at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, with participants working on computers in a bright, book-lined library space featuring a large presentation screen. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Youth participants at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan engaged in a collaborative learning activity around computer screens in a library setting, surrounded by books and educational materials. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Tech-focused interaction at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, with participants gathered around computer workstations and a vibrant banner highlighting innovation and collaboration. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

3D modeling in progress at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, featuring a sculpted object on a computer screen within a creative workspace equipped with tech gear. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Focused activity at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, with two participants working at a computer in a library setting, surrounded by bookshelves. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

3D modeling in progress at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, featuring a sculpted object on a computer screen within a creative workspace equipped with tech gear. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

Interactive session at Kouman 2025 in Abidjan, with participants working on computers in a bright room featuring a colorful banner promoting games and heritage. © Goethe-Institut / Pharouk Damilola

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Kouman

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