Strengthening communities
Olam International (Olam) and The Blommer Chocolate Company (Blommer), has welcomed the First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, Madame Dominique Ouattara, to officially open a primary school complex close to Olam Cocoa Processing in San Pedro.
Jointly financed by Olam and customer partner Blommer, the Dominique Ouattara School Complex provides the community with a much-needed education facility. It has the potential to teach 300 children and has a canteen, nurses’ station and library.
Gerard Manley, managing director and global head cocoa at Olam, says: “The success of our business and the future of Côte d’Ivoire is based on thriving rural communities. At Olam we are committed to strengthening communities by not only improving employment and livelihoods, but also by working together to enhance education, health and equality.
“The Dominique Ouattara School Complex is one example of this, and we look forward to continuing to work with the local community and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire for many years to come.”
Kip Walk, corporate director of cocoa and sustainability at Blommer, says: “Since the company’s founding 75 years ago, Blommer has held the belief that we have a purpose over and above our core business to work with communities around the world with the overall aim of building sustainable paths out of poverty. Education is essential to this, as is the provision of quality healthcare and nutritious food. The Dominique Ouattara School will address these factors and is a demonstration of our continued commitment to the people of Côte d’Ivoire.”
Olam is also pleased to announce a partnership with the Water and Forestry Ministry to reforest five hectares in recognition of the school.
