Benin

We have been working in Benin since 2008 to provide food and education for children, to strengthen social cohesion and to support women empowerment. We have 2 offices: a central office in Cotonou and a field office in Parakou.  

Benin faces significant humanitarian challenges despite strong economic growth in 2024. Approximately 36.2% of the population lives below the poverty line, and 40% lives in multidimensional poverty. The country has a very young population - 65% of the population is under the age of 25 - but access to education, employment, and social services remains limited.

In terms of education, the literacy rate is 42%, and only 62% of children complete primary school. Girls face challenges: early marriage and gender-based violence are widespread. In addition, education is hampered by a lack of infrastructure, canteens, and drinking water, especially in rural areas.

Rural women are more affected by climate shocks and inequalities: they have limited access to education, employment and reproductive health. Agriculture, which accounts for around 30% of GDP, is vulnerable to climate hazards, affecting food security. As a result, children and young people are exposed to malnutrition, early labour, and economic exclusion. An integrated response combining social services, education, protection, and economic inclusion is essential.

WeWorld has been present in Benin since 2008 and now operates from its offices in Cotonou and Parakou, implementing projects in several departments of the country (Ouémé, Plateau, Zou, Collines, Alibori, Borgou, Atacora, Donga), in collaboration with municipalities, villages, schools, decentralized government services, and authorities at the decentralized, departmental, and national levels.

WeWorld's interventions in Benin are structured around four strategic areas:

In the departments of Zou, Collines, Ouémé, and Plateau, actions are being taken to improve access to quality education. This includes teacher training, setting up reading corners, building/renovating schools, and distributing materials. The participatory approach aims to involve communities in the fight against school dropout and promote student monitoring.

Awareness-raising and training activities are being carried out to prevent violence, protect children's rights, and ensure case follow-up, in collaboration with local social structures.

Women are supported in their educational role through training in leadership, entrepreneurship, prevention of gender-based violence, and participation in community protection mechanisms.

In northern Benin (Atacora, Borgou, Donga, Alibori), we are working with the media, community leaders, and local associations to prevent violent extremism. Training, awareness-raising, media productions, and social cohesion activities are being implemented to strengthen communities' resilience to social tensions, misinformation, and hate speech.

At the same time, WeWorld is working on the issue of intraregional migration. Our interventions aim to prevent irregular migration, fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking, while protecting women and young people in vulnerable situations.