Mi Dokpo, the emancipation of young people

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

Photo credit: Enfants de l’Ovale