Tutoring for Success: Changing Lives in Benin

There's a moment that happens in our tutoring sessions that doesn't happen nearly as often in regular classrooms: a student raises their hand to ask a question.

It sounds simple. But when you're one of 50+ students in a classroom—  a situation more than half of our tutors encounter  in their regular teaching day—getting seen and your question answered can feel impossible. Hands stay down. Confusion becomes the norm. Learning becomes survival.

But in our twice-weekly tutoring sessions? The questions flow.

We just surveyed all 18 tutors in our program, and what they told us confirms what we see happening under the mango trees and in neighborhood courtyards across Cotonou: 43% of tutors said students ask more questions during TS tutoring than in their regular classes. More striking, 62% reported that tutoring sessions are interactive, and 67% said they're able to use more engaging teaching methods when working with smaller groups.

One tutor put it this way: "The advice and site visits by the tutoring program reassure us and give us hope."

That hope is translating into real outcomes. This past school year, 81% of our students either advanced to the next grade or passed critical national exams like the CEP and BEPC—more than double the national average for secondary students. But beyond the numbers, we're seeing something equally important: students who feel seen, heard, and capable.

Looking Ahead: New Connections Across Continents

As we settle into the new school year, we're launching something that has our students buzzing with excitement: a pen pal exchange with students in Michigan. Right now, letters are being written in French classes across three campuses of the International Academy, and we’ll be hand-delivering them to Benin in December.

Imagine a student in Cotonou receiving a letter from someone their age halfway around the world—someone curious about their dreams, their daily life, their favorite subjects. For many of our students, this will be their first direct connection with peers outside Benin. We can't wait to see where these friendships lead.

Thank You for Making Space for Questions

Your support doesn't just fund tutoring sessions—it creates space. Space for questions to be asked. Space for students to be seen as individuals, not just faces in an overcrowded classroom. Space for dreams that stretch far beyond exam scores.

As one of our tutors shared: "I hope that one day this program will expand throughout Benin." With your continued support, we're working toward that vision—one student, one question, one connection at a time.

Merci infiniment for being part of this journey.

Links:

• Visit our website and meet the team.

What does it mean to thrive—not just in school, but in life? This year, thanks to your support, 32 students in Benin got the chance to explore that question.

Through our weekly tutoring program, they received academic help, emotional encouragement, and a space to dream beyond the classroom. And yes—there was dancing. Especially at our favorite event of the year: Noël à Trois Sœurs, where students and their families gather to celebrate, play games, and head home with full bellies and bright smiles (and usually, a few gifts tucked under their arms).

But beyond the festivities, your donations helped students stay focused and succeed.

School Outcomes This Year

• 94% of students stayed enrolled in the program from start to finish

• 81% either passed a national exam or advanced to the next grade

• Students passed important milestones like the CEP, BEPC, and even the BAC

Our tutoring team also checked in on how students were feeling—and what they’re hoping for in the future. Here’s a glimpse of what they shared:

“In five years, I’ll be a baker.”
“I'd like to become a clothing designer.”
“I like my intellectual ability.”
“This year at school was good because TS supported me with my homework.”

One student noted how hard it is to walk alone to school while watching others get rides. Another said he feels strongest during summer break, when he can help at home and rest. These moments remind us that education is about more than books—it’s about belonging, safety, and hope.

Thank you for being part of that hope.

From all of us at Trois Sœurs, merci infiniment for believing in our students and making this work possible. We can't wait to show you what they do next.

Links:

• http://www.threesisters.org