Benin

Helvetas has been active in Benin since 1995. This West African republic is relatively politically stable. And yet it has a lot of catching up to do in the areas of education and poverty reduction: roughly a third of the population lives in extreme poverty. Almost 60% of the adult population cannot read or write. Helvetas seeks to improve the quality of basic education and enable children who were previously excluded, or had to leave school early, to go (back) to school.

Swiss-style education system for Benin

Helvetas is also involved in vocational training in Benin. In short courses of technical training, young people learn an occupation for which there is a real demand in rural areas, such as carpenter or forester. We apply the tried and tested dual system used in Switzerland, combining classes in theory with practical training under expert guidance. The aim is also to promote farming and skilled trades among young people and make the most of the economic potential of these promising sectors. The education authorities are working with us to establish the vocational and continuing education programs as a state-approved system.

Drinking water for schools and health centers

Medical care is scarce in Benin: For 100,000 inhabitants there are only four doctors here – as against 200 in Switzerland. The infant mortality rate in Benin is one of the highest in the world. The lack of sanitation and poor hygiene are the main reasons so many infants get sick. This is why Helvetas provides support for the building and maintenance of drinking water supply systems, e.g. in schools and health care facilities. These systems are either hand-operated or driven by solar energy. A functional infrastructure alone, however, is not enough to improve public health: hygiene education is equally crucial and forms an integral component of Helvetas' sanitation projects. Additionally, we strive to bolster the private sector in advancing sanitation and hygiene services.

Socio-economic integration of young people

In isolated areas where access to vocational training is limited, Helvetas works to enable young people to pursue sustainable and profitable career paths. Local experts provide technical support and coaching, assisting them in transforming traditional practices into structured businesses. This approach empowers them to gain autonomy, generate income, and contribute to employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Managing scarce resources

As global changes and growing demand generate tension around access to productive resources, such as water and land, insecurity increases in the area. Existing conflicts are thus fueled by the marginalization of minority groups and their needs. However, mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of these conflicts exist and can be mobilized in agreements for the use of resources in particular. Thus Helvetas engages in cross-border areas, in order to develop and enhance natural resources, to bring together groups with divergent interests around productivity and peaceful local development.

Visit the website of Helvetas Benin.

The country programme in Benin is co-funded by the SDC programme contribution.