With the holiday season right around the corner, ICSA’s Cavoequiva’s Service Learning Club has been working hard on fundraisers.
Cavoequiva means “let us unite,” and its club members have been uniting to raise money for its namesake: a non-profit group and women’s shelter in Abidjan. They hope to build awareness of human trafficking and protect those that are the most vulnerable.
Important Work Comes with a Cost
Sadly, trafficking is a major problem within Cote d’Ivoire. According to the 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report, the Ivorian government identified 1,190 trafficking victims, which was an increase of the 302 trafficking victims in 2021.
For over 20 years, Cavoequiva has provided a safe haven for girls, providing food, shelter, and medical assistance. Some girls stay days until they are reunited with their families, where others stay long term. This shelter runs on donations and the help of the community.
The organization was founded by Clément Irie Tra, who lived a portion of his life on the streets. Fortunately, he got out due to the help and support of others, and now he dedicates his life to the vision of providing “a better world without trafficking, exploitation, violence, or abuse against children and women.”
How the Shelter Came to ICSA
Three years ago, a Cavoequiva club was started at ICSA, and has been going strong ever since.
Amy Elsa Keito, one of six founders of the Cavoequiva Service Learning Group, says she wanted to start this club because she’s passionate about creating a safe space for young girls who are survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation.
“Aware of my privilege, I had always wanted to give back to my community, so when I read about these girls who had suffered in the face of patriarchal and economic oppression, I was immediately captivated.”
—ICSA 12th Grader, Amy Elsa Keito
Ingara Maidou, another 12th grade member, says, “I joined the club because my friend invited me to be a leader with her in 9th grade. I chose to stay, however, because it has really impacted the way I view women’s issues. Many of us come from privileged backgrounds and have mostly focused on women’s issues concerning unfair treatment and stereotypes, which are all still incredibly important.”
Thrifting for a Cause
The first week of December, a used clothing sale happened at the school, where the club made much more than anticipated. One hundred percent of these profits went directly to Cavoequiva.
All donations were internal, including gently used clothes, shoes, household items, and toys. The lower school was involved as well. 11B Advising and Mrs. Galvan’s classes donated the most, and their efforts were greatly appreciated.
For two days after school, the items were sold in an outdoor market style. Attendance was high and the ICSA community shopped under the hot sun and sporadic rainfall.
It was a lot of physical work as the students organized, set up, sold, and cleaned up for both sale dates. In the end, the sweat was worth it because it was a huge success.
A Special Visit and Priceless Memories
Last week, the students brought donations and got to meet the residents they were fundraising for.
The students interacted with the residents of the shelter in order to get to know their stories and put a human face to the cause that has grown so close to their hearts. They split into groups, played games, got to know one another, shared food, made donations, and had an epic dance party.
“The most memorable part was dancing with the girls and seeing them smiling,” says Orane Manda, 12th grade club member.
Amy Elsa Keita, 12th grade leader, organized this event, as she understood the impact of visiting the girls.
“I knew I had to do my best to try and improve their standard of living, and this belief was reinforced when we went to the shelter at the end of 9th grade and got to meet these sweet girls in person,” says Keita.
The group hopes to do at least one more visit before the school year ends.
New Year Means New Projects
After winter break, club members will be leading a “Teacher Torture” fundraising event, where students pay in hopes of getting their teachers to do a task like dyeing their hair pink or competing in a dance battle.
One shelter project that will be in the works soon is a mural, where an expat artist, Kasey Strick, will paint several walls to brighten up the space.
Additional renovation projects will be conducted as needed, and a baby basket will be made for the youngest resident.
Cavoequiva members aim to keep the momentum going and continue to improve the facility for the girls. They are excited to see what the new year will bring.