Ivory Coast

Since then, AVSI Ivory Coast has implemented several projects on different areas working in close relationship with local communities throughout the country, deepening the partnership with the government and the different ministries. Thanks to our long presence in the country, we have been able to be represented in different areas from the north to the south and from the west to the east of Côte d'Ivoire.

Strategy

AVSI built a monitoring and evaluation plan and launched specific studies and research with local universities and partners to plan evidence-based decision-making processes. To contribute to the strengthening of the national system, AVSI collaborates with several technical ministries, including the Ministry of Women, Children and Family, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training, the National Program of Social Cohesion, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests.

Areas of intervention

AVSI has implemented several projects using our expertise in different areas of intervention such as education, job creation, microfinance, prevention of irregular migration and child protection. At the heart of our method is quality education, which has been and continues to be strengthened by various projects that aim to improve the infrastructure, level of education and teaching methodology by working directly with schools and children.

Another important area of intervention is job creation through reinforcement of beneficiaries' skills by vocational training courses. Afterwards, participants will be able to access funding to set up Income Generating Activities (small commerce, craftwork, or other activities). While those who already have an activity in place will have easier access to microcredit facilities. These interventions aim to prevent irregular migration by giving young Ivorians the opportunity to be employed in their country of origin.

Many of our projects focus on social cohesion, democracy and peace, three areas which are very closely linked, and which aim to resolve existing or potential conflicts in certain areas of the country. Our strategy is to work directly with citizens but also with community leaders, justice and municipal representatives to engage the different actors in dialogue and to trust each other.

AVSI Ivory Coast has started to work more on environmental and forest protection issues through awareness-raising campaigns for a better use of fuels for cooking (energy-saving cookers). In addition, AVSI is working on potable water supply, preventive health and hygiene, focusing mainly on providing schools with adequate sanitation, hand washing facilities and easier access to drinking water.