A bridge to education

Benin ranks 173rd out of 193 countries in the 2023 Human Development Index. The economy relies largely on subsistence agriculture and informal trade, and around 38% of the population lives below the poverty line. In this context, access to fundamental rights is far from guaranteed, especially for children.

Although school is officially compulsory and free for girls up to the age of 15, in everyday life indirect costs,such as school supplies, uniforms, school contributions, and transportation,represent a concrete barrier for many families, particularly in rural areas. Added to this are the lack of adequate school buildings, shortage of desks, trained teachers, drinking water, and sanitary facilities.

In many communities, children are forced to leave school to help in the fields or support their families economically. Girls are the most vulnerable: early marriage, pregnancy, domestic work, and discrimination severely limit their educational opportunities. Child trafficking also remains a dramatic reality, fueled by promises of education or employment that often turn into exploitation.

It is in this context that the NGO ANAN has been working for years to concretely support the schooling of the most vulnerable children. During the 2022-2023 school year, 115 children were supported. In 2025-2026, the number rose to 221. This increase reflects the growing number of reports concerning minors from families living in extreme poverty or lacking stable parental figures.

The goal is to continue guaranteeing the right to education to an ever‑growing number of children, gradually expanding support each year. Particular attention is given to girls, who still face the greatest obstacles in accessing education, and to orphaned children.

Alongside school support, ANAN accompanies families through regular visits to monitor children’s school progress and living conditions, intervening promptly when necessary. When needed, essential goods,food and hygiene items,are distributed to ease the economic burden and reduce the risk of school dropout.

The project also encourages the creation of a direct connection between supporters and the children they help, promoting, when possible, correspondence, visits, and cultural exchanges.

How the support works

«With 80 euros a year, you can guarantee a child's school enrolment, the learning materials they need, and concrete support for their family.»

With 80 euros per year, it is possible to guarantee a child’s school enrollment, the necessary learning materials, and concrete support for their family throughout the school year.

ANAN directly manages every step: from paying school fees to purchasing and distributing uniforms and materials, from delivering essential goods to conducting home and school visits, all the way to sending regular updates to those who choose to support the project.

A simple act that allows many children to stay in school and build their future step by step.