Health student advocates against child labor in cocoa production from Ivory Coast and Ghana

The Oak Park-River Forest School District 200 Board of Education meeting on April 24, 2025, highlighted critical discussions surrounding child labor in the cocoa industry, particularly in Ivory Coast and Ghana. A freshman student presented alarming statistics, revealing that over 1.5 million children work on cocoa farms, often under hazardous conditions, with many earning less than $5 a week. The student emphasized the urgent need for awareness and ethical practices in chocolate production, noting that less than 10% of cocoa farms are certified fair trade.

The presentation underscored the exploitation of vulnerable families, with children as young as 12 being trafficked for labor. An anonymous farmer described the working conditions as akin to slavery, where profits are disproportionately funneled away from laborers. Major chocolate companies struggle to trace the origins of their cocoa, with Mars able to track only 24% of its supply.

The Department of Labor is actively addressing these issues through initiatives aimed at improving labor practices and expanding social services for families reliant on child labor. The meeting also highlighted ethical brands like Tony's Chocolonely, which pay significantly more to ensure fair wages for farmers. The student urged the community to support ethical chocolate brands and be mindful of their purchasing choices to combat child exploitation in the cocoa industry.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing awareness of the ethical implications of consumer choices and the importance of supporting fair labor practices in global supply chains.