Ferrero and Save the Children Programme Reports Gains in Côte d'Ivoire

Ferrero and Save the Children have reported substantial progress from their long-term partnership aimed at supporting children and cocoa-growing communities in Côte d'Ivoire. Data collected between 2020 and 2025 indicates improvements in household income diversification, poverty reduction, school enrollment and attendance, child well-being, and awareness of children's rights.

The program adopts a holistic approach, integrating child protection, education, and community economic development. It collaborates with families, schools, institutions, civil society organizations, and supply chain actors to tackle the root causes of child labor. During the program period, the percentage of households with diversified income sources increased from 24% to 65%, while the proportion of families living below the poverty line decreased from 60% to 43%.

Education has been a key focus, with primary school enrollment rising from 78% to 84% and regular school attendance improving from 75% to 97%. Additionally, 89% of children attending bridging classes successfully transitioned into the formal education system. Over half of the participating children (53%) showed improved literacy and numeracy skills.

The partnership is now entering a new phase extending to 2030, with strengthened support from Italian Development Cooperation. The project's outcomes are also being discussed at "Cacao Connect – The Italian pathway to cocoa in Africa," an event promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The results confirm that concrete and lasting change for children, adolescents, and families is possible when the root causes of child labor are addressed through an integrated, system-wide approach," stated Daniela Fatarella, Director General of Save the Children Italy. She emphasized that strengthening child protection, expanding access to education, and investing in community development create conditions for children's rights and community resilience.