School season preparations face rising costs in La Réunion and Côte d'Ivoire

As the 2026-2027 school year approaches, families in various regions are navigating rising costs and logistical preparations for the return to classes.

In La Réunion, where approximately 36% of the population lives below the poverty line, the high cost of living has driven a surge in second-hand initiatives. Programs like ‘Trok’ékol’ allow residents to donate and collect used school supplies, such as notebooks and pens, to alleviate the financial burden on modest households. Additionally, the CAF has begun distributing the ‘allocation de rentrée scolaire’ (ARS) to help families cover essential expenses.

In Côte d'Ivoire, families are choosing between wholesale markets and supermarkets to manage school supply budgets. The Ministry of National Education (MENAET) has finalized the official list of required textbooks and set mandatory online registration dates for August 2026. Authorities are also monitoring prices to ensure compliance with regulated rates for local educational materials.

General guidance for the season emphasizes stress reduction through early organization and the use of budget-friendly shopping strategies, such as bulk purchasing supplies in advance.