Mi Dokpo, the emancipation of young people

Les Enfants de l'Ovale is an association of general interest created in 2003 which intervenes in the fields of sport, education and health. In order to contribute to the growth and support of vulnerable children, the association designs and leads educational projects through rugby.

The "Mi Dokpo" project ("We are together" in fongbe), aims at the emancipation of young people by combining sport, education and local development through the structuring of a supervisory body capable of transmitting the federative values of sport. The project offers personalised socio-educational support that facilitates the integration of young people through education, professional training, and the multiplication of opportunities for engagement and exchange on societal issues. The cost of the project is €28,000.

Context

According to a report by the International Labour Office (2015), labour market integration in Benin is a social problem. The unemployment rate among the working age population is estimated at 38%. This youth unemployment could have consequences such as an increase in crime, a decrease in purchasing power, as well as the deterioration of the physical and mental health of young people.

Thus, the “Mi Dokpo” initiative carried out by the “Enfants de l’Ovale” combines sport and skills training in order to fight against this scourge.

Goals

To put sport, its values and a community of supervisors at the service of the academic success and professional development of young girls and boys
To structure a body of trained and competent educators capable of instigating a dynamic of social cohesion through extracurricular sports and regular events
To offer young people the opportunity to develop their sense of citizenship by raising awareness of societal issues and by creating intercultural links

Activities

20 workshops per year in partner schools
Training of 10 to 20 teachers from partner schools in the rugby programme
Distribution of sports kits and school kits to partner schools
Organisation of 15 bi-monthly tutoring workshops per year
Organisation of two workshops on career guidance and coaching
Setting up mentoring and creating professional projects
Creation of events around the themes of sport and the environment, etc.
Training for referees and coaches by Rugby Afrique
First aid training by the Red Cross
Organisation of nature workshops on environmental preservation and waste management.
Creation of a network of collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs

Impacts

210 children aged 7 to 14, including 35 boys, 125 girls and 50 junior players from the Eagles will find their place in society
25 supervisors, including 3 female supervisors, will achieve professional integration and will be involved in development through sport in their community
10 sports teachers in partner schools will improve their pedagogy and be able to accompany young people in their educational journey
100 rural girls will benefit from annual sports activities and camps
50 young people will become leaders and ambassadors for a more sustainable society
20 volunteers, including 3 women, will acquire skills
20 indirect beneficiary families of young adults will be trained in income generating activities