I visited Benin during April and May this year and was able to visit Dogba village and meet many of the young people who benefit from the generous donations received. Dieudonne Kakpo, our Co-ordinator in the country, continues to monitor the progress being made by each of them.
During this time twenty-five large containers of paint were taken on motorbikes to the edge of the river and then transferred in a ‘dug-out’ canoe to the village before being carried on heads to the school around half-a-mile further. After an amazing tropical rainstorm the motorbike journeys were very tricky!
The painting of the three classrooms on stilts in Dogba has been completed and they are now in daily use.
The Headteacher, Mr. Achilles Degnion, came to Affame to express his pleasure and gratitude for this exceptional facility.
Discussion in the community between the African team, Hands Around the World volunteers, Headteachers and the village Chief, has confirmed as reported previously that there is a need to focus future activity on identified vulnerable children.
The Benin Government does have programmes to eliminate the abandonment, trafficking and abuse of children but serious concerns have been expressed in this community and our support is urgently requested.
Plans have been approved for the construction of a residential ‘rescue’ centre and training facility in the village of Affame for children of the wider community and we all are aiming to provide a closely supervised arrangement conforming to high standards of child-care.
Suitable land has been purchased with good access to schools, the health centre and the village playing field and Dick Wheelock from Hands Around the World is willing to play a key role in assisting with the construction.
Future running costs will be governed by the number of children admitted - with the need to provide food, clothing and education costs, but the initial expenditure beyond the construction will be for bedding, including mosquito nets, chairs and tables.
Last year the team received a kind donation of a tractor and for a modest contribution they are using it to assist neighbours with their very strenuous farming demands.
Additionally they hope to raise funds by selling water once the well is in place, and eventually they expect to sell products from the training facilities.
Clearly this will be a challenging development; all donations will be most gratefully received. Many thanks indeed to all who have contributed to the Benin projects so far.
