CHILDREN FIRST
Promoting human rights and a fair and sustainable cocoa supply chain in Côte d’Ivoire
The project, titled “Children first: Promoting Human Rights and a Fair and Sustainable Cocoa Supply Chain in Côte d’Ivoire”, is a complex and multifaceted initiative aimed at improving living conditions in the Grand Bassam region and combating child exploitation linked to the cocoa supply chain.
APPA is the lead organization of the project, carried out in partnership with Mani Tese, Gruppo Abele, Agrimagni, Domori, Trusty, and the Pouponnière Shalom Soua in Ayamé.
The intervention focuses on three main outcomes.
Outcome 1 – Strengthening health services and access to water – managed by N.1 Agency of Pavia for Ayamé
One of the project’s main pillars focuses on improving social and pediatric health services, with particular attention to the most vulnerable children.
- Pouponnière Shalom Soua in Ayamé: Renovated to accommodate up to 65 minors, strengthened psychopedagogical services, annual missions by Italian pediatricians and nurses, and training activities for local doctors.
- Ayamé State Hospital and 10 rural health centers: Equipped with appropriate medical equipment, specialized pediatric consultations, and awareness campaigns on civil registry registration.
- Access to drinking water: Installation and rehabilitation of solar-powered water systems, establishment of community management committees, and educational activities in schools to promote responsible use of resources.
Outcome 2 – Prevention and protection of minors who are victims of trafficking and exploitation – managed by Gruppo Abele
Family poverty and the challenges associated with traditional cocoa farming practices contribute to child exploitation.
The project addresses this issue through:
- Reception and rehabilitation: Expansion of social centers with new beds, educational spaces, and renovated dormitories.
- Active monitoring: Training for officials and families, creation of monitoring committees, and formation of ‘child champions’ groups to combat trafficking.
- Awareness raising: Meetings for adults and children, and community radio campaigns to inform and prevent exploitation.
Outcome 3 – Development of a fair and sustainable cocoa supply chain
Cocoa is the main source of income in the region, but it is often produced under vulnerable and exploitative conditions. The project aims to transform the supply chain, making it more sustainable, fair, and inclusive.
- Agroecology and training: Establishment of training centers in Ayamé and Grand Bassam, introduction of agroforestry practices, composting, and cocoa drying techniques.
- Traceability and quality: Implementation of a blockchain system, training for producers, and establishment of a quality analysis laboratory.
- Inclusion and market: Strengthening of the Comoé Equitable cooperative, creating job opportunities for disadvantaged youth, new exports to Europe, and allocation of 20% of profits to social initiatives.
Through this project, APPA and its partners aim to contribute to:
Strengthening children’s rights;
Improving access to health and social services;
Promoting a fair, sustainable, and traceable cocoa production model;
Encouraging inclusive growth that involves families, communities, and local producers.
“Children first” represents both a challenge and an opportunity: to build together a fairer and more sustainable future for the children and communities of Côte d’Ivoire.
Beyond the Emergency: A Systemic Approach to Child Protection - Rights, Education, and Ethical Supply Chains
Short videos have been produced for each result, explaining how the Children First project is managed.
This important project requires continuous monitoring to track the status of planned activities and maintain constant contact with all stakeholders.
In January, Rino Rocchelli, President of APPA, undertook a mission to the region. At our facilities in Ayamé, he met with the new Italian Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Roberta Di Lecce, and Dr. Marco Rusconi—Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the project’s funding body—who was accompanied by members of his team. The guests toured the Pouponnière (infant care center), showed interest in current projects, and expressed great appreciation for the work the organization has been carrying out for over thirty years.
Rino’s mission also included meetings with project partners (Mani Tese and Gruppo Abele), monitoring other ongoing projects, and reviewing the organizational and financial status of the hospital and the *Pouponnière*.
