New impetus to meet new educational challenges in Benin

The Forum for African Women Educationalists Benin (FAWE Benin) officially launched its 2024-2028 strategic plan on Thursday 29 August 2024 in Cotonou, at a ceremony packed with colour and exchange. This major event, which took place at the Chant d’Oiseau, was attended by a large number of education stakeholders, technical and financial partners and representatives of civil society.

The ceremony opened with a welcome address by the President of FAWE Benin, who stressed the importance of this strategic plan for the future of girls’ education in Benin. She recalled the challenges facing girls and women in terms of access to and success at school, and emphasised FAWE Benin’s determination to provide lasting solutions.

Following the President’s speech, the participants had the privilege of attending a detailed presentation of the 2024-2028 strategic plan. This ambitious plan, presented by Ms. Marlène Seidou Babio, Coordinator of FAWE Benin, sets out three (03) directions and priority actions for the organisation over the next five (05) years. In particular, it aims to strengthen girls’ access to quality education, combat gender inequalities in the education system, and promote women’s leadership in the education sector.

The ensuing exchanges and discussions enabled participants to gain a better understanding of the issues at stake in the strategic plan and to express their expectations. The technical and financial partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the implementation of this ambitious plan.

This launch marks a new stage in FAWE Benin’s action in favour of girls’ education. The 2024-2028 strategic plan is a clear and precise roadmap that will enable the organisation to strengthen its impact and contribute to the emancipation of young Beninese girls.

Open Days to Boost Visibility and Attract New Members 

In the same month of August, (12 and 13 August 2024), FAWE Benin organised an open day at its headquarters in Cotonou. The event, aimed at raising the profile of the organisation and co-opting new members, brought together a large audience of educationalists, civil society representatives, students and international partners.

Over the two days, FAWE Benin presented its various initiatives to promote girls’ education and gender equality in Benin’s education system. Interactive discussions enabled visitors to discover the organisation’s flagship projects, such as scholarship programmes for girls, teacher training in Gender Responsive Pedagogy (GRP), TUSEME and many other initiatives.

Participants had the opportunity to attend presentations on the impact of FAWE Benin’s activities in schools, as well as testimonies from pupils and beneficiaries of the programmes. These testimonies highlighted the concrete results achieved by the organisation in the fight against gender disparities in education.

These days were also an opportunity to launch a call for mobilisation in favour of the cause of girls. FAWE Benin needs everyone’s commitment to continue its work and achieve its objectives. Many visitors expressed their desire to become more involved in the life of the association, whether as volunteers, active members or donors.

FAWE Benin Alumni Hold General Assembly with the aim to support girls’ education

In a bid to enhance give-back and support Beninese girls to access education, former beneficiaries of the FFAWE Benin programmes met on 16th August 2024 for their elective General Assembly. The meeting, held in Cotonou, was also an opportunity to strengthen ties between members of the alumni group.

Created in 2014, the FAWE Benin Alumni Network brings together former scholarship holders and beneficiaries of the organisation’s programmes. These young people, from diverse backgrounds, are united by their commitment to gender equality and girls’ access to quality education.

At the General Meeting, participants were able to take stock of the activities carried out over the past few years and define the network’s future direction. Participants exchanged views on the successes achieved, but also highlighted the challenges encountered and discussed strategies for overcoming them.

At the close of the event, the Alumni Board was renewed, with the election of seven (07) members determined to breathe new life into the group. The newly elected president expressed her desire to mobilise the alumni more so that they become active ambassadors for girls’ education, not only in Benin, but also on a regional scale.

Pleased with the commitments made by the young people, FAWE Benin Coordinator Ms. Marlène Seidou Babio said: ‘We are proud to see how dynamic and committed our alumni network is. She adds: ‘When these young people are truly committed, they will be ambassadors for our cause and will play an essential role in promoting girls’ education in Benin’.

This General Assembly marks a turning point for FAWE Benin Alumni. By strengthening their commitment and diversifying their actions, they intend to play a crucial role in promoting gender equality and access to quality education for all girls, thus contributing to FAWE Benin’s objectives.