Visa Foundation Awards USD 200,000 Grant to Strengthen Youth Education and Vocational Training in Côte d’Ivoire

On June 16, 2026, AVSI Côte d’Ivoire and Visa Foundation officially launched a strategic partnership aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable young people in Côte d’Ivoire. This collaboration seeks to expand access to education, vocational training, and socio-economic inclusion opportunities for youth.

As part of this partnership, Visa Foundation has awarded a USD 200,000 grant to AVSI Côte d’Ivoire. The funding will support and strengthen programs focused on education and vocational training, helping young people acquire the skills and knowledge needed for their academic and professional success.

The launch of the partnership was marked by a participatory activity involving the preparation and distribution of 150 kits containing sports equipment and financial literacy materials. These kits will be distributed to young beneficiaries through various social centers across Abidjan.

“Young people facing these challenges are determined to break cycles of instability, but they often lack access to the education, networks, and support needed to succeed,” said Dr. Bamba Lassiné, Country Representative of AVSI Côte d’Ivoire.

In 2025, AVSI supported more than 400,000 beneficiaries through its programs and interventions, reaffirming its commitment to social inclusion and assistance for vulnerable populations.

This initiative comes at a time when many young people continue to face barriers to quality education and stable employment. It aims to provide them with concrete opportunities to build their independence and improve their prospects for professional integration.

The launch marks the beginning of a meaningful and long-term partnership focused on education, inclusion, and youth empowerment in Côte d’Ivoire.