The ECHOES Alliance will build upon and expand programs sponsored by the WCF, Mars, Incorporated, The Hershey Company, Cloetta Fazer, Kraft Foods, ED&F Man, OLAM International and the Norwegian Association of Chocolate Manufacturers.

These programs, led by Winrock International and the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH), are making a real difference in the quality of education available to young people on cocoa farms.

"In Ghana, we have made education a top priority, as part of a broader commitment to offering a better future for our children," said Ambassador Kwame Bawuah-Edusei from the Republic of Ghana. "Moreover, the well-being of cocoa farming communities is a critical issue for our nation, one where education plays a great role. The ECHOES Alliance will help us make greater progress, more quickly."

A multi-year effort, programs supported by the ECHOES Alliance will increase school attendance, raise the number of trained teachers, increase livelihood opportunities for young people, and improve literacy levels throughout West African cocoa farming communities.

In addition, the initiative will use education to address important health issues like HIV/AIDS and malaria.

To achieve these results, programs supported by the ECHOES Alliance will:

"Cocoa farming families are the backbone of our economy and our nation, yet they face many challenges," said Ambassador Diabate, with the government of the Ivory Coast. "We welcome the partnership with the World Cocoa Foundation and USAID, because it will bring new ideas, energy and resources to our farmers to better face these challenges."

In the Ivory Coast, the Alliance will work with communities of Aboisso, Adzope, Alepe, Daloa and Gagnoa. In Ghana, the Alliance will be active in Akrokeri, Bechem, Kumasi and Sefwi Wiawso.

Established in 2000, the World Cocoa Foundation plays a leading role in strengthening the partnership between industry and cocoa farmers. With nearly 60 member companies, the WCF supports a range of economic, social and environmental programs in cocoa communities in Africa, Asia, Central America and South America. World Cocoa Foundation programs focus on raising farm incomes, encouraging responsible, sustainable cocoa growing and strengthening communities.

For more information about the World Cocoa Foundation, or to find out how you can help support cocoa farmers, contact Bill Guyton or Robert Peck at (703) 790-5012 or via e-mail at Bill.Guyton@worldcocoa.org. or Robert.Peck@worldcocoa.org. Also, visit the WCF online at: www.WorldCocoaFoundation.org.