Hope on the Streets​

Every meal restores dignity and brings hope to West Africa’s homeless youth.

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About the Founder

From a childhood marked by instability and uncertainty, Rokia Dedior learned resilience and the power of hope. Despite significant challenges, she built a stable and meaningful life with the support and resources she received – experiences that fueled her lifelong commitment to helping those facing hardship.

Rokia is dedicated to uplifting homeless youth, single mothers, widows with children, and other vulnerable individuals across West Africa. She believes in the transformative power of community support and meaningful opportunities, providing guidance, resources, and hope to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.

As a PhD scholar in Human Services, Rokia’s research focuses on culturally adapted mental health interventions that support the psychological well-being of young adults experiencing homelessness in West Africa. By combining her personal experience with rigorous academic work, she ensures that the initiatives of Fondation Cœur Dedior are both practical and evidence-informed.

Under her leadership, the foundation has made a tangible difference by distributing meals to families in need, providing school supplies and helping children access medical care, advocating for homeless youth as they transition to safe and stable housing, ensuring access to mental health support, and offering opportunities for vulnerable individuals to develop their talents and pursue brighter futures.

Rokia’s vision continues to inspire the foundation’s work, bringing hope, restoring dignity, and empowering those who need it most.

Our Mission ​

At Fondation Cœur Dedior, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our mission is to restore dignity, safety, and opportunity to the most vulnerable individuals across West Africa. We serve homeless young adults, single mothers, widows with children, and families facing extreme hardship.

We provide emergency assistance, safe shelter, essential resources, and long-term support that empowers individuals to rebuild their lives. Guided by compassion and a commitment to equity, we work to ensure that no one is left behind – not in crisis, not in poverty, and not without hope for a better future.

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Our Vision

Fondation Cœur Dedior envisions a world where every vulnerable child and individual has access to safety, shelter, nourishment, education, and the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to creating safe, supportive environments – including long-term housing and transitional shelter solutions – that restore dignity, break the cycle of poverty, and empower individuals to rebuild their lives.

Our Impact in Action

Charitable Culinary Contest – Côte d’Ivoire, December 2024

Fondation Cœur Dedior is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals in need through focused initiatives. One of these is our annual charitable culinary contest, Ivoire Culinaire.

In 2024, the contest was held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, providing participants from vulnerable backgrounds with a unique platform to showcase their culinary talents, gain recognition, and receive prizes, equipment, and encouragement to pursue brighter futures.

At the finale, we also hosted a Christmas tree event, giving gifts to children from vulnerable families who might not otherwise receive holiday presents. Every child deserves the joy of Christmas.

Beyond prizes and recognition, the 2024 contest had a lasting impact on participants’ lives. Many gained confidence, self-esteem, and motivation, discovering talents they can develop into future careers or livelihoods. By providing encouragement, guidance, and tangible resources, we help individuals in need see a path to a brighter future, while fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Through initiatives like Ivoire Culinaire, donors play a crucial role in empowering individuals, creating opportunities, and breaking cycles of hardship. Every contribution helps transform lives, nurture talent, and give hope to those striving for a better tomorrow.

Sharing Food & Dignity in Guinea

This Ramadan, Fondation Coeur Dedior reached out to those in need across Conakry, Guinea. We provided food supplies to nine (9) mosques to support vulnerable community members and walked the streets to share meals with people experiencing homelessness. Every act of kindness reminded us that together, we can bring hope and dignity to all.

A Moment of Triumph

Tears of joy and a brighter future: recognizing the talent, perseverance, and potential of vulnerable individuals through our charitable culinary contest.

Port Bouët Adjoufou – Sharing Hope Through Rice Kits

In the heart of the Port Bouët Adjoufou neighborhood in Côte d’Ivoire, our team distributed rice kits to over 200 vulnerable families, including widows with children and single mothers. The turnout was overwhelming – a powerful reminder of the pressing need in the community. Each family left with essential support for their household, and the moment was filled with emotion, compassion, and a shared commitment to care for one another.

Sharing Hope in Côte d’Ivoire

During Ramadan, Fondation Cœur Dedior visited the village of Yakassé-Mé in the Adzopé region to distribute food kits to over 100 vulnerable families. We are grateful to the local Imam for his warm welcome and prayers for our team. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to bring hope, support, and tangible assistance to communities in need. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Bringing Hope and Warmth to Côte d’Ivoire’s Youth

During our visit to Côte d’Ivoire, we had the privilege of preparing and personally delivering warm meals to youth living on the streets. Beyond providing food, we listened to their stories, learned about the challenges they face, and shared moments of connection and care. This experience strengthened our commitment to restore hope, dignity, and opportunity to those who need it most.

"Testimonials"

“Fondation Cœur Dedior has been a true blessing for me and my family. After a motorcycle accident left me unable to continue my delivery work, I faced significant hardship. In that difficult moment, I reached out to Fondation Cœur Dedior, and they kindly stepped in to assist me. With their help and support, I was able to repair my motorcycle, return to work, and continue providing for my family. I remain deeply grateful to the foundation and its founder for restoring hope and stability in my life.”

~Sory Karaboili

“Fondation Coeur Dedior's culinary contest has helped me gain self-confidence, as my friends doubted me and I never thought I would win. My victory restored my self-belief, and my prize allowed me, with the freezer, to start commercializing ice, water, and juices, giving me real financial freedom. I want to thank Fondation Coeur Dedior for this initiative and for believing in me, and I encourage everyone who lacks confidence in themselves to never doubt their abilities. This contest has truly changed my life for the better.”

— Pone Lou Martine, Ivoire Culinaire 2024 Winner