Improved access to safe, clean water for families is a key focus of our Cocoa Horizons Community Development strategy. In 2015, more than 4,000 employees across 23 countries participated in water-based events such as clean-ups, tree planting, sports, and other activities designed to draw attention to the issues surrounding water in cocoa-growing communities. 

As part of Water for Life, employees around the world organized water-related events to raise awareness of water issues in order to improve access to safe, clean water for farmer families. As a result, we provided water filters to rural schools and some 1,500 families in Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon.

The focal point was our Quality Partner Program in Cameroon. Our Group-wide goal was to raise 50,000 Swiss Francs to refurbish, replenish and revitalize schools in 2 cocoa growing communities in the West African nation, working in partnership with two cooperatives.

We supported education and entrepreneurship in cocoa growing communities. Employees worldwide walked a combined distance of 50,000 km, as a sign of solidarity with children in Ghana who walk long distances to go to school. In turn, Barry Callebaut contributed CHF 50,000 to sponsor 30 3-year scholarships for 30 mothers and 60 children in cocoa farming communities. Mothers received training and funds to invest in their existing small businesses, as well as funds to cover school expenses.

Employees organized sports and educational events to build awareness about the cocoa sector in Ghana and the needs of five rural schools in cocoa growing regions. Proceeds from volunteer fundraising activities were added to the Barry Callebaut-sponsored Empowerment Pot. All the funds are being used to fulfill as many school needs as possible. These include school benches and desks, books and learning materials, and renovations to school rooms and facilities.

Colleagues collectively ran thousands of kilometers. A Barry Callebaut team of 40 trained runners then successfully completed the Half Marathon on the Great Wall of China. This initiative culminated in the construction of a secondary school in Akoupé in the Adzopé cocoa growing region, north of Abidjan. The school was inaugurated in November 2009, and about 300 pupils are currently enrolled. The facility is now being developed into a community learning center to serve hundreds more people of all ages.

Employees collectively biked tens of thousands of kilometers. In addition, a trained Barry Callebaut team of 45 bikers, plus a support team 55-colleagues-strong, mastered the climb of the famous Mont Ventoux in southern France. This event culminated in the opening of a medical center to serve the cocoa farming community around Goh village, 85 km north of San Pedro in Ivory Coast.