Echelle–Bénin is a non-profit student empowerment organization registered in the Republic of Benin (West Africa). It was founded by a group of Benin citizens, most of whom live in the United States. It is supported by a network of volunteers from around the world.
With your support, we pledge to:
We envision the youth in Benin to be empowered and inspired to both succeed in life ….
We coach, mentor, and sponsor students in Benin, especially in underserved communities…
We offer a paradigm shift, moving away from the limited power of the handout …
Serving as a ladder of success to the younger generation is an indispensable …
“If human beings are perceived as potentials rather than problems, as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses, as unlimited rather than dull and unresponsive, then they thrive and grow to their capabilities.”
— Barbara Bush
Half the population in Benin still live with less than $2 a day. This is partly due to a large gap between the tools provided by the formal education system and the skills needed by individuals and communities to prosper. Opportunities to transition from school to professional employment are rather scarce, a fact we are committed to change.
Only 35% of children in Benin are likely to finish middle school.
Only 7% (4% in rural areas) will graduate from high school.
Only 1 in 10 secondary schools in the public system teach practical knowledge to their students.
The educational curriculum in Benin does not teach values and subjects such as volunteerism, community development, civic engagement, and leadership.
Université de Parakou (Benin)
Université d’Abomey-Calavi (Benin)
Ohio University (USA)
GKN Aerospace St. Louis (USA)
Arcadia University (USA)
New Jersey City University (USA)
A total of 350 students and 25 teachers to be recognized
Involving 18 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school across several rural communities in Benin.
August-September: Workshops to train 10 coaches
October: Training of our first student cohort starts. Meetings occur on weekends through the academic year.