Support Students in 25 Beninese Schools

1. Executive Summary

This report presents the main achievements and impact of the "Support Students in 25 Beninese Schools" project, made possible thanks to the generosity of donors mobilized through GlobalGiving, with special recognition to Professor Lisa THOMPSON and the Amis d'Amérique (Friends of America).

During the period under review, two priority interventions were implemented. The first consisted of providing nutritional support to BEPC and BAC candidates at CEG1 Aplahoué during a particularly difficult food lean season. The second made it possible to finance the production of school identity cards for 28 CEP candidates at EPP Kpokpoèhoué, in the commune of Djakotomey.

These interventions addressed two concrete obstacles capable of undermining academic success: hunger and administrative exclusion. They allowed the students concerned to sit for their exams under better conditions, with greater peace of mind, dignity, and confidence.

2. Context and Rationale

In rural communities, the period preceding the new harvest is often marked by the depletion of households' food reserves. This situation particularly affects economically vulnerable families. For students during exam periods, hunger can translate into increased fatigue, reduced concentration, and additional stress.

At CEG1 Aplahoué, this reality was therefore a significant concern for BEPC and BAC candidates. It was essential to allow them to face their exams under conditions consistent with their academic efforts.

In addition, the requirement to have a school identity card in order to sit for the CEP can become an obstacle for children from very low-income families. In Kpokpoèhoué, some parents were unable to cover the costs associated with photographs and card production. Without intervention, children who were otherwise well prepared for the exam risked facing a difficulty that had nothing to do with their academic abilities.

The project thus made it possible to turn financial assistance into a direct response to essential needs.

3. Activities Implemented

Nutritional Support at CEG1 Aplahoué

Needs were identified in collaboration with the school. A temporary school canteen was then organized during the exam period. Women food vendors already present at the CEG were mobilized to prepare and serve meals, while ONG ÉDUCATION ET DÉVELOPPEMENT ensured their payment and oversaw the intervention.

This approach supported the local economy while guaranteeing candidates access to hot meals during the exams. 151 BEPC and BAC candidates benefited from this intervention.

School Identity Cards at EPP Kpokpoèhoué

In collaboration with the school's administration, the candidates concerned were identified and the necessary photographs were taken. The costs of producing the cards were fully covered thanks to the funds raised.

In total, 28 vulnerable candidates benefited from this assistance and were able to obtain the document required to take part in the CEP. Administrative follow-up carried out by the NGO also helped strengthen the traceability and transparency of the operation.

4. Results and Impact

The key objectives of the intervention were achieved. In terms of nutritional support, 151 students benefited from meals during the exam period. Regarding school identity cards, 100% of the targeted beneficiaries received their document, enabling them to sit for their exams under the required conditions.

Beyond the numbers, the human impact is particularly significant.

In Aplahoué, students were able to take their exams with less worry related to hunger. In Kpokpoèhoué, 28 children reached an important milestone in their schooling without their family's financial situation becoming an administrative obstacle.

One parent shared: "Thanks to this support, my child was able to take the exam without being ashamed of not having a card. He now knows that he has worth."

These words capture the essence of the project's impact: restoring dignity, preventing exclusion, and giving children equal chances to move forward.

5. Challenges and Responses

The fluctuation in food prices during the lean season posed a challenge. Relying on the food vendors and preparers already present at the school made it possible to keep the organization under control and adapt purchases to market realities.

The timeline for producing the cards also required particular attention. The NGO's Executive Management maintained regular follow-up with its school secretariat to meet the deadlines.

Finally, raising parents' awareness helped them better understand the importance of the school identity card and encouraged their buy-in to the process.

6. Gratitude and Acknowledgment

We express our deep and sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this project through GlobalGiving, and especially to Professor Lisa THOMPSON and the Amis d'Amérique. In short, we thank the entire American people for their remarkable generosity.

Your generosity represents more than just financial resources. It has been transformed into meals served, exams made accessible, worries eased, dignity restored, and hopes preserved.

7. Outlook and Sustainability

ONG ÉDUCATION ET DÉVELOPPEMENT intends to continue and expand these interventions. In particular, we plan to progressively develop emergency canteens during lean seasons at other vulnerable schools in Couffo.

The production of school identity cards could also be sustainably integrated into the services of the NGO's school secretariat, notably through the equipment already available.

Finally, we wish to document these experiences, share best practices, and strengthen advocacy with the authorities so that children from the most vulnerable families can benefit sustainably from equitable access to essential educational services.

8. Conclusion

The "Support Students in 25 Beninese Schools" project illustrates the power of targeted, concrete solidarity. Seemingly simple assistance — a meal or an identity card — can prove decisive when it comes at the moment a child's schooling is at risk of being compromised.

Thanks to our donors, students were able to take their exams with dignity, overcome obstacles, and believe more fully in their future.

We view this support not as a simple financial contribution, but as a genuine investment in Benin's human capital. Every meal served and every card issued reflects a shared conviction: no child should be prevented from learning, taking exams, or dreaming because of poverty.

ONG ÉDUCATION ET DÉVELOPPEMENT renews its commitment to using every resource with rigor, transparency, and accountability, so that the generosity received continues to produce concrete and lasting results for the benefit of Benin's most vulnerable communities.