60 young people from cocoa growing communities have graduated after a year-long programme organised by Cargill, in partnership with the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI).

The programme supported young people between the ages of 15-17 years who were out of school and without any skills trained in carpentry, tailoring, and glass fabrication.  

It is part of Cargill’s long-term Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS) strategy under the Cargill Cocoa Promise, focused on identifying, preventing, and remediating child labor within the cocoa supply chain.

“Human rights are fundamental at Cargill. We believe that the best way to safeguard the future of cocoa is to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of farmers and their families. This program empowers young people with real opportunities to succeed,” said Max Essoh Latte, Managing Director of Cargill Ghana.

Graduates were presented with official TVET certificates from the Ministry of Education and received tools of trade to launch their careers. The ceremony featured remarks from government officials, community leaders, and parents, underscoring the shared responsibility in building thriving communities.

“This initiative is a great example of how we can reduce child labour and poverty in cocoa- growing communities,” noted Mike Arthur, Country Director of ICI. “By investing in adolescents and providing access to vocational training closer to home, we can equip them with skills that help them be economically independent in the future, allowing them to support their families, diversifying income in cocoa-growing communities, and reducing the prevalence of child labour.”

Samuel Apana, Sustainability Operations Manager at Cargill, highlighted the company's broader approach to child labor remediation:

“This is just the beginning. These 60 graduates are the first batch of over 200 apprentices currently enrolled, with more youth to be added in the coming months. Our strategy combines short-term support with long-term investment in education, women’s empowerment, and community infrastructure.”

Local leaders, including HRH Oyeadieyie Basaoe Kwadwo Armah III,Omanhene of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area applauded Cargill's leadership and called on other private sector actors to follow suit in supporting youth development.

ICI is a nonprofit foundation that works to ensure a better future for children in cocoa- growing communities by strengthening child protection systems and supporting industry- wide efforts to eliminate child labor.