History of the Association

In Summer 2005, Christine HIDREAU went to Benin with her family to join her son who was involved in the French organization « Pharmacien du Monde » based near Cotonou. She was enchanted by the country, but also affected by poverty and destitution that touched some people. Indeed, if Benin is today a democratic republic, many children are left to themselves in the streets or become slaves for richer families (cf. « Vidomegon Children»).

Back in France, Christine decided to go further and share her experience with friends. Three women were present at her call. They chose to operate together to create a  house for children in Benin. This is a project on a human scale, which has as its first aim the wish to make a few children self-sufficient. That is to say to integrate them in society and educate them on both school and health levels. 

Our four protagonists decided to rent a house that could cater for  a dozen children in the 2007 school year,  and sought an employee to take care of them.  

Thus, Christine contacted abbot Théophile Houaga, who she met in Benin through her son. This seminarian, an orphan himself, became and remained the main local interlocutor for the association. Thanks to him, the project became concrete. He found a house in the town of Toviklin, which can accomodate, the needs of the association after renovation works. He contacted local authorities (the mayor and the head of the village) and professionals who can be helpful with the renovation work (this is now underway). The renovations: sanitary appliances (shower, toilets, kitchen…) and furnishings (beds, fridges…), will be done in the best way by local artisans.

The founders of the association are keen on the fact that the children must be integrated into local social life, for instance they will go to the village school.

The NonzoBénin association was founded  in October 2006.

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"NonzoBénin": Why this Name?


In Fon, one of the more spoken languages in Benin, Nonzo means mother’s labour. The initiators of the project give a real meaning to that name. Indeed, it is typical representative of the association that it should be so: four women for one project.

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In Benin

In order to properly effect  and to clarify relationships between the members of the association and the local official, it has been decided to create a twin association in Benin. How this should be done is currently under discussion:  NonzoBénin is awaiting offers and comments from its Beninese friends.

The Beninese association will be our local spokesman, and we wish for it to enunciate the principles of work and clear goals aims. We want for it to harmonize our points of view and to work in friendship, after consultation and debate.


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