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.
"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.
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.