Côte d’Ivoire

Partner Organizations

Women, Entrepreneurship, & Leadership (WEL) NGO

Active since 2016, WEL strives to empower the next generation of women leaders by focusing on Leadership, Excellence and Innovation –teaching economic independence and leadership, as well as programs related to agriculture, green environments, health (HIV and pregnancy), technology, and digital solutions.

“In poor communities and rural areas, women are incredibly vulnerable – the most affected and impacted by HIV AIDS. And most of the time they have no support for the education of their children,” explains Co-founder and President of WEL, Mdm. Kouadio. Through grassroots efforts, WEL builds the skills of hundreds of women and girls so together the story and the stereotypes surrounding women's abilities are changed for the good.

“My vision for the future is a new generation of young female leaders, aware of their potential, who contribute to a world where women are free from poverty, and one Africa where we have no gender inequalities – where women are equals in making decisions,” said Mme Kouadio.

Read our Blog on WEL NGO here.

The St. Genevieve Welcome Center in Katiola, Côte d’Ivoire was founded in September 2011 by Father Germaine Coulibaly Kalahari with one goal in mind: help every child from his tribe in danger of infanticide or abandonment.

Before founding the St. Genevieve orphanage in Katiola, Father Germaine conducted a survey in the surrounding villages and found that twins, children with disabilities, and children whose mothers died in childbirth were killed because area tribes still believe such children are “snake children” - evil spirits which will bring disaster and havoc to the tribal community.

Now in its 9th year, Father Germain and Habiba Koné, a social worker for the orphanage, have set up a vigilance committee in different neighborhoods who report cases of child endangerment.

Read our blog on Katiola here.