March 26, 2025, marks a turning point for SOS Children’s Villages in Benin and the 11,800 vulnerable children, youth, and adults the organization supports. During an official ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SOS Children’s Villages renewed its headquarters agreement with the Beninese government, consolidating its framework for action for the next five years.
This renewal, chaired by Mr. Frank Armel AFOUKOU, Ambassador and Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirms the confidence of the Beninese State in SOS Children’s Villages and its commitment to the protection and well-being of children and young people.
A strengthened legal framework for greater impact
Thanks to this new agreement, SOS Children’s Villages benefits from a stable legal and institutional framework, allowing it to deploy its programs more effectively. This government support guarantees:
• Better integration of the organization’s initiatives into national child protection policies,
• Easy access to local and international resources and partnerships,
• A legal environment promoting transparency and effectiveness of interventions.
By consolidating this framework, the agreement allows SOS Children’s Villages to continue and strengthen its support in five key localities: Abomey-Calavi, Dassa-Zoumé, Natitingou, Kandi and Pèrèrè.
A renewed commitment to youth autonomy
During his speech, Mr. Salimane ISSIFOU, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages, emphasized the importance of this agreement for the organization’s mission:
“This renewal is a sign that the Government continues to trust us in our work in Benin since 1987. We ensure that children and young people deprived of appropriate care grow up in a healthy family environment, allowing them to become full participants in Beninese society.”
With this increased support, the organization will be able to step up its efforts to ensure that the young people it supports make a successful transition to independence, ensuring that they access sustainable professional opportunities.
A strategic partnership welcomed by the Government
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the fundamental contribution of SOS Children’s Villages to the social development of the country:
“SOS Children’s Villages is a key player in child protection in Benin. Its commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children is admirable and deserves support.”
The Beninese Government has thus committed to continuing this collaboration, by guaranteeing a framework conducive to the action of NGOs and by promoting effective synergies with national actors.
An opportunity to strengthen the organization’s impact
The signing of this agreement opens the way to new perspectives, notably through:
• Strengthening educational and professional integration programs,
• Expanding advocacy actions for the rights of children, young people, women and vulnerable people,
• Better coordination with local and international institutions to mobilize more resources and expertise.
This renewal represents much more than an administrative agreement: it is a key lever for improving the living conditions of thousands of vulnerable children, youth, and adults in Benin. It demonstrates a shared desire—to build a brighter future for those who need it most.
