Avery Dennison Foundation: Driving Cape Verde's Future Through Education, Sustainability and Livelihoods

A Avery Dennison Foundationrecognising Cape Verde's pressing needs and vibrant potential, is launching a call for comprehensive projects aimed at boosting education, promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring secure livelihoods for the population. The Cape Verde Islands, with their natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, face significant challenges that require innovative solutions and strategic investment. This article details the foundation's focus areas and how projects can be designed to make a lasting impact on Cape Verdean communities.

Education, a fundamental pillar of human development, occupies a prominent place in the Foundation's global priorities. Access to quality education, from early childhood to vocational training, is crucial for the development of capable individuals and for Cape Verde's socio-cultural progress. Projects that promote the improvement of school infrastructure, the training of teachers with innovative methodologies, access to teaching materials and the implementation of relevant extracurricular programmes, such as computer classes, foreign languages and civic education, are highly encouraged. Special focus should be given to the inclusion of children with special needs, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn and thrive.

Environmental sustainability, in particular, is a critical element for Cape Verde's future. Climate change and the growing pressure on natural resources require a proactive and responsible approach. The foundation supports projects aimed at the protection and conservation of island ecosystems, such as the recovery of degraded areas, the promotion of renewable energies, the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices and the efficient management of water resources. Environmental awareness and education for sustainability are equally important, fostering a culture of respect and preservation of the environment in all layers of society. Initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting the circular economy should be considered.

Finally, guaranteeing secure livelihoods for Cape Verdean communities is essential for sustainable socio-economic development. The foundation supports projects aimed at economic empowerment, creating job opportunities and increasing family resilience. This can include support for local entrepreneurship, vocational training to develop skills relevant to the labour market, support for family farming and artisanal fishing, as well as the establishment of support networks and access to finance for micro and small businesses. The promotion of sustainable tourism, which valorises Cape Verde's natural and cultural heritage and directly benefits local communities, is also an area of interest.

Innovative projects that integrate these three interrelated areas - education, environmental sustainability and livelihoods - are particularly welcome. For example, a programme that combines vocational training in sustainable tourism with environmental education and the protection of natural resources can create a significant and lasting impact.

The Avery Dennison Foundation is committed to supporting projects with a strong impact on communities, demonstrating a clear definition of goals, detailed action plans and clear evaluation mechanisms. Transparency, collaboration with local communities and long-term sustainability are essential criteria for project selection.

We believe in the potential of the Cape Verdean people and are eager to identify and support projects that contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for Cape Verde.

For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://www.averydennison.com/en/home/company/avery-dennison-foundation/grantmaking.html