In Côte d'Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer, learning poverty remains a critical concern. According to the most recent international evaluation, only 40.4% of students can read at a sufficient level by the end of primary school, and a staggering 82.8% were unable to perform simple operations. 

Child labour remains widespread in cocoa-growing regions, where many children perform hazardous tasks that keep them out of school, such as land clearing and handling harmful chemicals. Weak school infrastructure and poor teaching quality further discourage education, contributing to low attendance, heightening the risk of child labour. Addressing these challenges is a key priority for the Ivorian government. 

As a founding member of CLEF (the Coalition for Learning and Educational Futures), ECOM is tackling these challenges head-on. This unprecedented coalition unites the Ivorian government, foundations, and 16 major cocoa companies with nearly 79 million Swiss francs in funding– all focused on getting children back in school and learning. 

Year One Achievements 

CLEF's 2024 achievements show the power of coordinated action: over 7,000 teachers trained, 4,277 out-of-school children brought back to classrooms (44% girls), and 143 motorcycles provided so advisers can reach remote schools. 

Looking ahead, CLEF aims to build and equip 35 new schools across its 6 target regions in 2025. 

By 2027, it aims to improve learning for 4 million children, support 1.6 million parents in engaging with their children’s education, and integrate 19,800 out-of-school children into the formal school system.

ECOM's Strategic Role – Sylvie’s Role on the CLEF Technical Committee 

ECOM is actively shaping CLEF's direction. Sylvie Myambaye Opono, our Smarter Cocoa Regional Manager in Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana, represents ECOM on the technical committee, ensuring the project stays aligned with both government priorities and industry needs. 

Sylvie expresses that one of the most impactful programs so far has been the implementation of bridging classes that fast-track out-of-school children back into formal education. Over 4,000 children have enrolled– children who might otherwise have ended up in hazardous child labour scenarios. 

 

 

 

CLEF's success is already inspiring similar projects in Ghana, proving that effective partnerships can transform entire regions. Through this coalition, ECOM is helping ensure the next generation in cocoa communities receives the education they need and deserve. 

 

If you’d like to learn more about the initiative, you can read more on CLEF's website and on their LinkedIn where they post frequent updates, including an upcoming 3-part field report series highlighting school construction and the work of school management committees in Côte d’Ivoire that will be published later this month.