At Transparence Cacao, we firmly believe that child labour has no place in our cocoa supply chain. We are deeply committed to its eradication, embedding this principle at the heart of our operations. Every cooperative we work with is genuinely committed to standing against child labour and forced labour, embracing these principles wholeheartedly and voluntarily. Our continuous local presence in Côte d’Ivoire allows us to implement targeted, impactful projects designed to tackle child labour and promote children’s access to education. On the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour, here is an overview of some key initiatives :
- Strengthening Child Protection Systems in Cocoa Communities
Child labour remains a complex issue that demands local understanding and tailored action. In 2023, we launched the first phase of the project “Strengthening Child Protection Systems of Cocoa Cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire”, focusing on identifying root causes of child labour through field research and direct engagement with four cooperatives (2,289 farmers).
Beyond poverty, communities highlighted factors such as cultural norms, limited school access, lack of awareness, missing birth certificates, and weaknesses in child protection systems like the CLMRS. In 2025, we began phase two, expanding to nine cooperatives. This phase includes:
- Awareness-raising sessions with farmers, children, and school staff.
- Set up 9 Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) to offer safe, educational care for children of cocoa farmers, reducing their risk of involvement in farm work.
- Establish 9 “Classe Passerelle”(Bridge Classes) to support the reintegration of children aged 5 to 17, who are not currently enrolled in school, into the national education system. These classes focus on children identified as involved in, or at risk of, child labour.
- Implement an efficient child labour monitoring system.
- Support for women through financial education and VSLAs (Village Saving and Loan Associations)
We work together with Afrique Secours et Assistance (ASA), which is an Ivorian NGO with over 25 years experience addressing child labour in Cote d’Ivoire. This project is made possible through the subsidy provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, through their ‘Fund against Child Labour’.
- Rehabilitation of Touih Primary School
Touih Primary School, in the San Pedro region of western Côte d’Ivoire, recently benefited from a crucial rehabilitation project. The school’s infrastructure had deteriorated to a point where the safety and well-being of the students were at risk, threatening their right to learn in a secure environment. Our main objectives were to eliminate structural hazards, improve classroom conditions, and create a welcoming atmosphere to encourage school attendance in this rural area. As a result, the four classrooms have been fully restored, providing a safer and more conducive environment for learning.
- Food Distribution to School Canteens
Transparence Cacao organised its food distribution campaign across several of its sourcing zones in Côte d’Ivoire. This initiative aims to support cocoa-growing communities while promoting the health and well-being of children. Approximately 1,000 kg of nutritious, well-balanced food was distributed to school canteens in three main areas, benefiting around 1,100 children:
- Western Zone: Two schools, supported by the Maison des Planteurs in Pauly and Touih, received food supplies, reaching 600 children.
- Central Zone: One school in the village of Wagana was supplied, supporting 200 children.
- Eastern Zone: The school canteen in Songan also received food provisions, benefiting 300 children.
By improving children’s nutrition, this project aims to enhance their health and learning potential. Additionally, by making school more attractive and accessible, it contributes to the broader fight against child labour by encouraging regular school attendance.