Benin

Benin, with an area of 114,763 km2 and a population of over 10 million, ranks 163rd with an HDI of 0.520. It is considered one of the most stable countries in Africa due to its strong constitutional and political institutions. Since 1998, MAP has been supporting the Congregation of the Missionary Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart, whose mother house is located in Menton not far from MAP’s headquarters. Their projects support the education of young girls throughout Benin. Between the construction of school structures, literacy courses, professional training workshops, childcare and hygiene training, MAP finances various projects each year.
Help us to help Benin!
Mission

Visites de Sœur Andréa Batcho et d’autres membres de la Congrégation en juin 2022 et mai 2024.

Providing education for 170 pupils

  • Kouandé
  • Education
  • 01/01/2024
  • 6,932

Following the meeting with Sister Andréa Batcho in 2021, MAP decided to support the operation of the primary school in the village of Kouandé, located not far from Natitinqou in the north of the country, with a population of over 110,000. Originally established in 1964, the school reopened its doors in 2005, taking in ‘witch’ children rejected by their families, and the most vulnerable children in the region, regardless of race or religion. Since 2011, the number of children attending the school has continued to increase, thanks to a high success rate and the quality of care. Since 2021, MAP has contributed to the running of the school and its infirmary.

Objectives

  • Ensuring the operation of the Kouandé Primary School and the education of 161 pupils

Beneficiaries

  • 161 students
  • 12 grants
  • The teaching team

Activities carried out

  • Complete coverage of school fees, school materials and meals for 12 vulnerable students, the majority of whom are girls, to prevent them from dropping out of school
  • Support for the schooling of 161 pupils
  • Participation in the running costs of the school, including the financing of the school infirmary

Recent funding

  • Since 2018: 28.864 €
Help us to help Benin!

SUPPORT THE WOMEN’S PROMOTION CENTRE

  • Kouandé
  • Education
  • 01/01/2023
  • 10,000

Also run by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Centre for the Promotion of Women aims to offer young girls in precarious situations and forced marriages access to schooling and a professional activity. The 4-year training usually starts with literacy courses, as most beneficiaries cannot read, write or speak French, the predominant language of training. These training cycles allow the girls to bond with each other and create a sense of community. Most of the trainers have themselves undergone these trainings at the Centre, and return to help and inspire the next beneficiaries to do the same. Since the end of 2023, training courses have been paid for by the Beninese government.

Objectives

  • Ensuring the schooling of 10 schoolgirls and the vocational training of 31 young girls, in order to avoid early marriages and promote the socio-professional integration of the beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries

  • 41 young girls
  • The educational team

Activities carried out

  • Organisation of literacy and French courses
  • Awareness raising on HIV, childhood diseases, hygiene and nutrition
  • Vocational training workshops in sewing, knitting, bag and soap making with the aim of creating IGAs
  • Management and family budgeting courses to manage a professional activity

Recent funding

  • Since 2018: 19,609 €
Help us to help Benin!