Africa - West Africa Winrock CLASSE Program
ESSO Elvis Dimitry, Age 14, Offompo, Cote d'Ivoire (top middle): "Last year we heard on the radio about children's programs and how to plant eggplant with cocoa. I like agriculture. I join my father on the farm to help during the weekends. Agriculture is interesting to me. I want to continue my agriculture courses again this year with Winrock. I have learned a great deal."
The Issue:
- Many of the children in cocoa communities will grow up to become farmers. High-quality vocational agricultural education provides crucial skills and knowledge for children in these communities and can be a powerful incentive for children to continue their studies.
- Unfortunately, few schools in cocoa communities have the resources to provide this type of education, and school doesn’t have an immediate relevance to daily life in cocoa communities.
- When quality vocational education is lacking, children may leave school at a young age to work on the family cocoa farm.
Partners:
- Winrock International
- Mars Incorporated
- Norwegian Association of Chocolate Manufacturers
- Cloetta Fazer AB
- United States Dept. of Labor
How the World Cocoa Foundation Helps:
- The CLASSE (Child Labor Alternatives through Sustainable Systems in Education) program improves basic and agricultural education, with an emphasis on youth mentoring and increased attendance.
- The program focuses on children ages 11-20, a critical group in terms of school attendance.
- To date, more than 1,686 youth participated in the program.
Learn More:
August 2007 Progress to Date: CLASSE Program
View a map of CLASSE project sites.
Success Story: Youth Excels in Leadership Program
Success Story: On the Road to Entrepreneurship and Self-Sufficiency