Cargill Funds Cote d'Ivoire Orphanage

SOUBRE, Cote d'IvoireAs part of Cargills ongoing commitment to sustainable cocoa production and improving the lives of cocoa farmers and their families, the company was instrumental in funding and building a newly opened orphanage in Cote d'Ivoire that will provide up to 60 orphans from across the country with a safe home and improved access to education and healthcare.

The project was commissioned by Cargill in 2010, following the discovery that local woman Mme Ouedraogo had taken 22 orphans into her own home. As a result, Cargill built and furnished the new orphanage.

"As part of Cargill's Sustainable Cocoa Program, we strive to make a lasting difference in the rural communities where we live and work," said Yves Onghen, training and project coordinator for Cargill. "For this project, we have worked with local non-governmental organization 'Compassion Esther' to respond to the pressing need for safe housing for children in Soubre."

"We are giving these children hope and an opportunity to dream," said Ouedraogo, director of Compassion Esther. "I am confident that by providing them with a roof over their head and a safe, loving home we will strengthen their confidence and help them fight for a better future."

The Cargill Sustainable Cocoa Program is working to secure the long-term sustainability of cocoa production and to improve the lives of cocoa farmers and their families. Cargill has been training Ivorian cocoa farmers for more than 10 years, and today helps tens of thousands of farmers increase yields, improve quality and adopt more sustainable practices. Through its partnerships with CARE and the IECD, Cargill is improving access to healthcare, drinking water and renovating schools in 10 communities in San Pedro and Daloa.