COTONOU, Benin \u2013 From 17 to 22 August 2026, the streets of several Beninese localities hummed with the energy of a groundbreaking initiative. FAWE-Benin, under the Projet3M, organised immersion visits to partner workshops and enterprises for apprentices from the nine (09) Vocational Training and Craft Centres (CFPA) benefiting from the programme. This initiative, targeting young women enrolled in GreenJobs and NonTraditionalTrades, represented a crucial step in their training journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These immersive visits were far more than simple excursions. They offered the apprentices a unique opportunity to confront their theoretical knowledge with the realities of the workplace. By engaging with master craftspeople and experienced professionals, the young women gained a deeper understanding of the professional attitudes necessary for their future success. Beyond technical skills, they grasped the importance of perseverance, rigour, and adaptability in a demanding professional environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The exchanges between the apprentices and professionals proved particularly fruitful. Several master craftspeople and business owners expressed their willingness to host some of the young women for internships and to recruit them upon completion of their training. This concrete prospect of professional integration provided the apprentices with additional motivation to excel in their studies. The visits also helped them understand the importance of continuous learning, skills development, seizing opportunities, and gradually building their clientele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The immersion also enabled the apprentices to become aware of the realities of the labour market in the green and non-traditional trades sectors. They observed the challenges and opportunities that awaited them, projecting themselves into their future careers with greater clarity and determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 3M Project (Trades, Market, Mobility) is an ambitious initiative implemented by International Development – International Education in partnership with key national organisations, including FAWE Benin and Renej-Benin. The project benefits from the financial support of International Development Canada – Global Affairs Canada and the Embassy of Canada in Burkina Faso and Benin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By specifically targeting green and non-traditional trades, the 3M Project aims to break gender stereotypes and offer young women training and employment opportunities in promising sectors. This approach contributes not only to women’s economic empowerment but also to the sustainable development of communities. By training young women in trades such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, or new technologies, the project contributes to building a greener and more inclusive economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Lasting Commitment to Equal Opportunities The organisation of these immersion visits by FAWE-Benin demonstrates the organisation’s ongoing commitment to promoting equal opportunities and women’s empowerment through education and vocational training. By offering apprentices a concrete experience of the professional world, FAWE-Benin prepares them not only to succeed in the labour market but also to become agents of change in their communities.<\/p>\n\n