Benin

Benin, with an area of 114,763 km² and a population of nearly 14.5 million, is located in West Africa. Long recognized as one of the region’s most stable democracies, the country continues to pursue economic development while facing significant challenges related to poverty and access to education and health care, particularly in rural areas. Since 1998, MAP has been supporting the Congregation of the Missionary Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart, whose motherhouse is located in Menton, near the association’s headquarters. The projects supported focus on the education of young girls, the construction and renovation of school facilities, literacy classes, vocational training, and initiatives to raise awareness about hygiene and health. Thanks to its donors, MAP funds new projects each year to benefit the most vulnerable populations.
HELP US HELP BENIN!
Mission

Visits by Sister Andréa Batcho and other members of the Congregation in June 2022 and May 2024.

Provide an education for 190 students
Kouandé
Education
Education
01/01/2026
7.727
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

  • Ensure the smooth operation of the Kouandé Elementary School and the enrollment of 190 students
Beneficiaries
  • 190 students
  • 22 scholarship recipients
  • The teaching team
Activities carried out
  • Full coverage of tuition, school supplies, and meals for 22 vulnerable students—most of whom are girls—to prevent them from dropping out of school
  • Support for the education of 190 students
  • Participation in the running costs of the school, including the financing of the school infirmary
Recent funding
Since 2018: 36.068 €
Fund the education of students !
SUPPORT THE WOMEN’S PROMOTION CENTRE
Kouandé
Education
Education
01/01/2023
12.971
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

Assurer un environnement d’apprentissage sûr et adapté à 75 enfants d’âge préscolaire grâce à la réhabilitation et au fonctionnement d’une école maternelle, tout en garantissant la pérennité des acquis du centre de formation professionnelle désormais repris par le Gouvernement béninois.
Beneficiaries
75 preschoolers The teaching staff
Activities carried out
Renovation and conversion of the training center into a preschool Creation of appropriate learning spaces to accommodate 75 children. Support for a safe and inclusive learning environment that fosters early childhood development.
Recent funding
Since 2018: €77.522
SUPPORT THE WOMEN'S PROMOTION CENTRE!