AVSI began its activities in Côte d’Ivoire in 2008, providing essential support to the national healthcare system and to children living with HIV/AIDS. Since its establishment, the organization has gained solid expertise in several key areas, including health, education, child protection, democratic governance, environment, gender equality, vocational training, and job creation.

AVSI plays a key role in improving education in Côte d’Ivoire. Active in 11 regions of the country, it operates in 813 public schools, benefiting 153,500 students, 4,126 teachers, and 25,000 parents. In collaboration with various partners and donors, AVSI implements five major educational projects aimed at improving access to and the quality of education.

Its initiatives include the rehabilitation and construction of schools, distribution of textbooks, teacher training, and community awareness campaigns to combat school dropout. Special attention is given to girls’ education, a crucial lever for equal opportunities and social development.

Despite sustained economic growth, youth employment in Côte d’Ivoire remains a major challenge, with only 20% of young people finding work after completing their studies. This situation fuels irregular migration, making the development of appropriate solutions essential.

AVSI offers vocational training to equip young people with practical skills, thereby improving their employability and enabling them to create income-generating activities (small businesses, crafts, local enterprises). Beneficiaries also have access to funding and microcredit to support their economic integration. Thanks to these initiatives, nearly 4,000 young people have received targeted support, helping to curb migratory flows by offering them future prospects within their own communities.

Aware of the importance of peace and stability, AVSI works to promote social cohesion, democracy, and conflict prevention in Côte d’Ivoire. These three dimensions are closely linked and require inclusive dialogue among citizens, community leaders, justice officials, and local authorities.

The projects implemented foster consultation and the creation of a climate of trust among the various stakeholders. The goal is to prevent social tensions, strengthen civic participation, and promote democratic practices based on mutual respect and collective engagement.

As part of its environmental initiatives, AVSI conducts awareness campaigns to promote the use of improved cookstoves, encouraging the adoption of more efficient cooking systems compared to traditional methods. These efforts contribute to reducing deforestation and improving household sanitary conditions.

In addition, AVSI is committed to improving access to safe drinking water, promoting hygiene, and ensuring adequate sanitation infrastructure, particularly in schools.

AVSI is actively engaged in Côte d’Ivoire in the fight against all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence (GBV), through an integrated and coordinated approach. Our intervention aims to strengthen the commitment of key stakeholders in the prevention, protection, and care of women and girls who have survived violence. In synergy with local structures, we help remove barriers that hinder access to holistic care, promoting awareness, information, and communication actions.

GBV-related projects also focus on improving response mechanisms and coordination among stakeholders, to ensure appropriate and sustainable support for survivors. Through this approach, the entire support system is strengthened to better prevent, detect, and respond to GBV cases, while helping survivors rebuild their lives.