Most organizations involved in helping alleviate poverty in Benin offer material aid. Sadly, their well-intended projects are often short-term oriented and designed by outsiders who have little knowledge of the recipient communities.
Meanwhile, the education system in Benin is civil-service oriented and puts little emphasis on the skills needed by individuals to reach their potential. Students are rarely offered courses on emotional intelligence, character development, entrepreneurial leadership, and community engagement, all of which are critical to individual success and community growth.
Together, these two trends create a mindset among the population that the government or external organizations will miraculously fix the chronic issues that are weakening their own community.