About us
ANAN: our story
An organization born from the meeting of Italian and Beninese friends, around the dream of building an authentic bridge between two worlds.
The organization
Who is ANAN
The NGO ANAN, founded in 2023 by Elisa Zaccagna (who has lived permanently in Benin since 2020) and officially recognized by the Government of Benin, is a non-profit non-governmental organization committed to promoting human development and social justice through concrete actions for the most vulnerable communities.
Our work focuses mainly on the rural and semi-urban areas of Benin, aiming to guarantee dignity and fundamental rights to those living on the margins. Our areas of intervention range from education to health, from access to drinking water to child protection, from local economic development to women's empowerment, to the fight against poverty and food insecurity.
The name Anan, which means "bridge" in the Adja language, reflects the mission of the organization: fostering cultural exchanges between Italy and Benin and supporting the local communities most in need. The organization pursues goals of social solidarity, education, inclusion and sustainable development, promoting projects that make beneficiaries autonomous over time.
Our structure
The two souls of ANAN
ANAN is a bridge between Italy and Benin, and this dual nature is reflected in its legal structure too: two distinct but deeply connected organizations, working in synergy to carry out the same mission.
ONG ANAN
Non-Governmental Organization
It is the Beninese entity recognized by the Government of Benin, which carries out the projects on the ground: it supports education, builds wells, accompanies agricultural cooperatives and works every day alongside local communities.
It is led by a mostly local team and rooted in the territory, ensuring continuous presence, listening and legitimacy in the areas where we operate.
OdV ANAN Italia
Volunteer Organization
It is the Italian entity registered in the National Single Register of the Third Sector (RUNTS), which operates in Italy to raise funds, raise awareness and involve donors, volunteers and supporters.
Thanks to the OdV, donations can be tax-deductible and the 5×1000 can be allocated to the projects in Benin.
One mission, two complementary tools: the OdV in Italy turns generosity into resources, the ONG in Benin turns resources into real change.
The founder
Elisa Zaccagna
Originally from Riva di Pinerolo, in the province of Turin, Elisa is a professional educator who graduated in 2009. She discovered Africa at 19, during a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and since then the continent has become her home of the heart.
After experiences in Senegal, Tanzania and six months in Benin in 2018, in July 2020 she chose to move to Pahou, in southern Benin, where she lives in the Kpodovi neighborhood.
In April 2023, together with Italian and Beninese friends, she founded ONG ANAN (which in the local language means bridge) to give institutional shape to years of work alongside the communities of the area.
Our mission
Build bridges, not walls
ANAN was born from the belief that authentic development happens through mutual exchange. We work in two directions: concrete projects in Benin and awareness and fundraising activities in Italy.
Reciprocity
We don't bring aid, we build relationships. Every project starts from listening and dialogue with local communities.
Respect
We walk alongside, not ahead. We honor the culture and dignity of the people we work with.
Concreteness
Few projects, well taken care of. We prefer tangible, lasting results over big numbers on paper.
The heart of the bridge
The volunteers
People who have known Benin, taken part in projects on the ground and chosen to give their time. They are the ones who keep the bridge between Benin and Italy alive, bringing stories, images and questions into Italian schools and at information and fundraising events, sparking curiosity and empathy.
Their voices
Those who crossed the bridge
Every volunteer comes back from Benin with a different story. Here are some of the words gathered on their return, drawn from their diaries and reflections.
It's me and this life, which perhaps isn't fading out, which perhaps is simply fighting.Silvia
Watching them laugh, sing and dance despite every difficulty truly makes me realise how beautiful life is.Miriam
The children's hearts are immense: their eyes and little hands pull you in like magnets.Giorgio
Thanks to Elisa and Abiba I lived twelve extraordinary days, just as everyone who has been their guest.Monica
Stepping off the plane, wrapped in the embrace of mother earth. Somehow, I felt I had come home.Fabio
I found the open door of a very special home, where welcome is a ritual, a universal embrace.Elisa
Documents
We believe in accountability to those who support us. Consult the Statute, Financial Reports and Mission Reports of every year.