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Improving Access to Education for Children in West Africa

 

 

Find out how Cargill and our partners help communities chart their own course, providing solutions that allow them to thrive.



 

Why this is critical

Success has its vital precursors. Cocoa-growing communities face a multitude of challenges, ranging from a lack of access to basic services and inadequate infrastructure, to food insecurity and poor access to education. By improving the livelihood and well-being of both farmers and their communities, we can safeguard and even improve the future of cocoa.

That’s why we’re committed to energizing and educating the next generation of farmers with the help of partners like ICI, CARE and others. By investing in these social support programs and helping communities become more resilient and self-directed, they can thrive for generations to come.

Collaboration like this means we equip and transform entire villages, together.

children smiling at the camera


 

How are we helping

We work directly with farmers and local community members. Cargill works with local leaders to conduct Community Needs Assessments (CNAs). Local leaders then develop Community Action Plans (CAPs) to make change happen as swiftly as possible. These CAPs focus on child protection, education, health and nutrition, women’s empowerment and opportunities for young adults.

We train school management committees to improve enrollment, attendance and teaching quality. We also invest in infrastructure. We build, renovate and equip classrooms with educational resources and classroom materials. This means children are in the classroom rather than in the field. And we foster capacity building and entrepreneurship to support youth at risk of child labor, by helping them develop technical, business and life skills.

Children learning


 

Parents and child in classroom

Who is involved

Through our ongoing work with CARE and organizations like Jacobs Foundation, we’re working to provide children with dependable schools by working through public-private partnerships in Côte d’Ivoire. The goal is simple: provide well-built, well-resourced primary schools that stay open year after year. These schools are backed by the government, with additional financial support from farmer organizations. If this approach continues to succeed, we hope to roll it out in additional countries.

 

More on how Cargill is investing in education in West Africa: 

 

 

Changing Cocoa Communities by Empowering Women

Cargill strengthens the roles of women in the cocoa sector, cascading positive change throughout entire communities.

Ensuring Traceability in the Cocoa Supply Chain

See how Cargill collaborates with partners to ensure full traceability of our cocoa supply chain in West Africa. 

Partnering to Improve Community Well-being in West Africa

See how Cargill collaborates with partners on the ground to improve community well-being in West Africa.