Collaboration with the CNS and the ICI Foundation expands access to education in communities cocoa producers
GLY (Lôh-Djiboua), Ivory Coast, September 27, 2024 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- The Hershey company, world leader in chocolate and snacks, inaugurated three public primary schools in Gly, a village in the Lôh-Djiboua region. These projects, which include the construction of a new school and the renovation of two existing schools, were financed by the company under a tripartite agreement with the National Committee for Monitoring Actions to Combat Labor, Trafficking and Child Exploitation (CNS), chaired by Ms. Dominique OUATTARA, First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, and the International Cocoa Initiative Foundation (ICI).
A commitment to the education and well-being of children
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mr. James TUROFF, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel of Hershey, highlighted the importance of education in the company’s mission: “Supporting children’s education is a a central part of Hershey’s mission since its founding more than 130 years ago. Today, we continue this work by helping to develop the education system in cocoa-growing communities. We hope that improved access to quality education will enable generations of children to thrive and lead productive lives.”
First Lady Dominique OUATTARA, whose commitment to the rights and well-being of children spans nearly three decades, expressed gratitude for the progress made under the agreement signed a year ago. an: “Hershey’s investments in these schools reflect our shared commitment to ensuring that our children in rural communities have access to modern facilities that will enable them to have bright futures.” In tribute to the first lady’s work in favor of children, Hershey announced that the school would be named “Gly 3 Dominique Ouattara”.
Highlighting the long-term impact of these projects, Mr. Matthias LANGE, Executive Director of ICI, said: “These projects demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the protection of children. The construction or renovation of school buildings, canteens and housing for teachers is essential to reduce barriers to schooling and helps provide infrastructure that benefits the entire community.”
The inauguration ceremony in Gly took place in the presence of numerous personalities such as Her Excellency Mrs. Nassénéba TOURE, Minister of Women, Family and Children and Vice-President of the Interministerial Committee to Combat Trafficking, the exploitation and child labor (CIM), representing Ms. Dominique OUATTARA, First Lady of Cote d’Ivoire and President of the CNS, as well as senior officials of the local administration, traditional chiefdom, students and their parents.
An ambitious program for a lasting impact
The construction and renovation of Gly’s primary schools is part of an ambitious school infrastructure construction program financed by Hershey in cocoa-producing regions. This initiative illustrates the company’s commitment to removing barriers to children’s education and improving the lives of families in cocoa communities. The project aligns perfectly with Hershey’s global “Cocoa For Good” strategy and Ivory Coast’s national strategy for sustainable cocoa.
These achievements are part of a larger partnership between Hershey, the Ivorian government and various non-governmental organizations. In April 2023, Hershey entered into an agreement with CNS and ICI to fund the construction of 12 elementary schools, totaling 72 classrooms, by 2025 in cocoa-producing communities currently lacking adequate school infrastructure.
The completion of the three schools in Gly marks a critical milestone in Hershey’s commitment to improving the well-being of children and shaping a more equitable future in the cocoa industry. These new infrastructures complement the efforts already undertaken by Hershey in Ivory Coast, in particular its “Income Accelerator” program aimed at increasing the income of cocoa farmers, as well as its environmental preservation initiatives, particularly in the reserve natural area of Mabi-Yaya in the south-east of the country.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Hershey.
About The Hershey Company:
The Hershey Company is a leading snacking company known for delivering more happy moments through its iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to doing right by its people, planet and communities. Hershey employs more than 20,000 people in the United States and around the world, who work every day to deliver delicious, high-quality products. The company owns more than 90 brands in approximately 80 countries, including Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kisses, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers and Ice Breakers, as well as savory snacks such as SkinnyPop, Pirate’s Booty and Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels.
For 130 years, Hershey has been committed to working fairly and ethically. The candy and snack maker’s founder, Milton Hershey, established the Milton Hershey School in 1909, and since then the company has focused on helping children succeed through equitable access to education. ‘education.
For more information: www.thehersheycompany.com
Media Contact:
Roland Klohi
African Media Agency – AMA
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Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-09-27 15:03:44
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