A word from the Chairman

In 2021, the momentum begun several years ago with the same strong desire to make a positive and active contribution in the regions where the Omer-Decugis & Cie Group and its subsidiaries are present (West Africa, Ecuador, France) continued. This has resulted in the funding of action programmes or initiatives that address the Foundation’s priority issues (sustainable agriculture, research & education, health & inclusion, solidarity) and are considered to be of social utility for the beneficiaries concerned.

In 2021, the Foundation’s financial resources were strengthened (€146,000 in donations collected) to meet the financing needs of new structuring projects, in addition to the major commitments (GFAOP, UFHB, DIBRA SANTE) that already receive renewed support year after year. This is how we were able to support the creation of a computer room in the Province of Santo Domingo, in Ecuador, in response to an identified need for the development of digital technology among children in the countryside, to promote their learning conditions, which had largely deteriorated with the pandemic. It was also a matter of responding to current emergencies, which led us to participate in the organisation of a Covid-19 vaccination campaign for Terrasol pineapple workers, their families and neighbouring communities, also in Ecuador.

Regarding our actions in West Africa, we are proud and happy to have funded, in partnership with the Albert Heijn Foundation, two projects in Côte d’Ivoire in 2021. First there was our second annual health campaign “Dibra Santé” with, as a new feature this year, screening sessions for malaria and diabetes and blood pressure testing sessions, in addition to deworming and meningitis vaccination sessions. And there was the creation of a nursery school in the village of Sinématiali. The school, which is expected to accommodate around 40 pupils, is scheduled to open at the very beginning of 2022.