Hershey and Partners Launch Three Primary Schools in Côte d’Ivoire to Enhance Educational Access

Hershey Expands Educational Opportunities in Côte d'Ivoire with New Schools

HERSHEY, Pa., October 29, 2024 – The Hershey Company has recently made headlines by officially opening three new public primary schools in Côte d’Ivoire, a key player in the global cocoa market. This initiative includes the construction of one brand-new school and significant renovations to two existing schools, highlighting Hershey’s commitment to supporting cocoa-growing communities. This development comes as part of a collaborative effort with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Oversight Committee for Actions to Fight Child Labor, Trafficking, and Exploitation (CNS), chaired by First Lady Dominique Ouattara, and the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI).

For those who may not know, Côte d’Ivoire is one of the world’s leading cocoa producers, accounting for about 40% of global cocoa supply. Unfortunately, many cocoa-growing areas face significant challenges, including access to quality education for children. Hershey’s involvement in this project underscores an essential aspect of corporate responsibility: investing in the communities that contribute to their supply chain.

Hershey’s senior vice president and general counsel, James Turoff, expressed the company’s long-standing dedication to education, reflecting a mission that dates back over 130 years. “Supporting children’s education has been a central part of Hershey’s mission since our founding,” Turoff stated. He elaborated on the significance of expanding the education system in cocoa-farming communities. “We hope that greater access to quality education can help set generations of children on a path to fulfilling and productive lives,” he added. This sentiment resonates especially in regions where educational opportunities are scant.

Matthias Lange, executive director of the International Cocoa Initiative, also underscored the importance of this project. He stated, “These projects demonstrate our unwavering commitment to protect children.” The construction and renovation of educational facilities represent more than mere buildings; they are crucial for lowering barriers to school enrollment and enriching the entire community’s infrastructure.

Located in the village of Gly, within the Lôh-Djiboua region, the schools are part of a grander vision to enhance educational resources in cocoa-producing areas. This initiative is not an isolated effort; back in April 2023, Hershey pledges, through an agreement with CNS and ICI, to fund the establishment of 12 primary schools, equating to a total of 72 classrooms by 2025. This ambitious plan aims to provide much-needed educational infrastructure in communities currently lacking proper schooling facilities.

First Lady Dominique Ouattara, a prominent advocate for children’s rights for nearly three decades, praised Hershey’s contribution. “The investment in these schools by Hershey reflects our shared commitment to ensuring our children have access to modern facilities that will enable them to have a bright future,” she remarked. Her ongoing advocacy work aligns seamlessly with Hershey’s mission, emphasizing the importance of education as a cornerstone for community development.

The inauguration of these three schools is a significant milestone for Hershey, marking a pivotal step in their efforts to build a more resilient supply chain and uplift the livelihoods of cocoa-farming families. But Hershey’s dedication doesn’t stop at education. The company has also launched various programs aimed at improving the overall well-being of cocoa farmers and their families, such as the Income Accelerator program, which is designed to enhance the financial stability of cocoa producers. Moreover, Hershey is engaged in environmental preservation initiatives, notably in the Mabi-Yaya Nature Reserve located in southeastern Côte d’Ivoire, to ensure a sustainable future for both the land and the communities that depend on it.

As an industry leader committed to ethical business practices, Hershey is paving the way for a more inclusive and responsible approach to cocoa production. With a history that stretches back more than 130 years, the company’s founder, Milton Hershey, laid the groundwork for a legacy focused on education and community upliftment. By launching these schools, Hershey is not only making an impact in the present but also ensuring that future generations of cocoa farming families can aspire to better opportunities.

For anyone interested in learning more about Hershey’s community initiatives, visit their official website or follow them on social media platforms to stay updated on their ongoing projects dedicated to making a positive change in the world. Hershey’s longstanding commitment to ethical operations continues to inspire others in the industry and sets a benchmark for what it means to give back to the communities that matter most.

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