encouraging sustainable, responsible cocoa growing

WCF and Chocolate Industry Pledge to Support Vocational Education in Schools in the Ivory Coast

October 4, 2006

Contact:
Susan Smith
(703) 790-5012
Susan.smith@worldcocoa.org

1,200 Children Will Receive Valuable Education to Help Enhance Their Futures

April 15, 2004 - The World Cocoa Foundation has signed an agreement with Winrock International, a non-governmental development organization involved in improving agricultural sustainability and income in developing countries, to support vocational education in schools in the cocoa-growing regions of the Ivory Coast. The project, originally funded by the US Department of Labor and endorsed by the Government of Cote d'Ivoire, will reach 1,200 children ages 12-16 who will learn vocational skills, such as agro-forestry, while improving literacy rates. The WCF has made a contribution to the program, along with supporters Hershey Foods Corporation, Masterfoods USA, a division of Mars, Incorporated, Nestle USA, Nidar, Tom's Confectionery and World's Finest Chocolate. The Cocoa Merchants of America and the National Confectioners Association have also pledged their support.

"The chocolate and cocoa industry is proud to be associated with the Winrock vocational education in schools program," said WCF President Bill Guyton. "Developing valuable vocational skills and improving literacy will help children living in cocoa farming communities in the Ivory Coast gain the skills and education necessary to lead fruitful and productive lives."

Guyton added that the schools program addresses child labor in these regions, as well as helps farm families achieve the skills they need to improve their incomes from agricultural production. "The funds provided by the chocolate and confectionery industry will help strengthen formal and non-formal education so that working children and other at risk children will have the education they need to make a better life for themselves."

The Ivory Coast is the largest producer of cocoa in the world, producing more than 40 percent of the world's cocoa supply. Cocoa is grown on more than one and a half million small, family-owned farms in West Africa. These cocoa farms support more than 10 million family members. Cocoa supplies more than 50 percent of the household cash in the Ivory Coast.

In 2001 the World Cocoa Foundation and the Chocolate Manufacturers Association signed an International Protocol laying out a date-specific timetable to ensure cocoa is grow without abusive or forced labor practices. An independent survey, conducted by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, revealed that the vast majority of cocoa farmers in West Africa were honest and hardworking, with children helping out on the farm as members of the family. However, the survey also revealed major concerns surrounding poverty, hazardous working conditions on farms of children under 14, and lack of access to educational opportunities for children, both boys and girls, in the cocoa growing regions.

"The vocational education in schools program is off to a good start with the industry contributions we've already received, but many more children could be helped with additional resources," added Guyton. "The cost to provide full support to schools is pooled among contributors from several sources. Industry contributions can make a big difference."

If you are interested in contributing or learning more about the project, contact Bill Guyton at (703) 790-5012 or via e-mail at bill.guyton@worldcocoa.org .

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