AFRICA: BENIN

As we crossed the border into Benin, we were very aware of the extreme poverty and poorly constructed homes. There were no roads and the bus VERY slowly made its way between the temporary structures which served as home or shop or shelter of some kind. And yet the peace and tranquility, humble attitude of the people was immediately felt. It was then surprising to find in Porto Nova and Cotonou a much more stable and established home and building structure. Border Borders (the local taxi which is a motor-bike) everywhere, but in their own lane and ordered. We both felt an immediate love for Benin, it felt safe and clean.
A day on the beach and at a local market with beautifully handcrafted goods and artworks, and a tour around the town of Cotonou was impressive.
That was yesterday and today we went to many organisations. Firstly to The Ministry of Family, child and adolescent, handicapped, national solidarity, social affairs, etc. In French : Ministere de la Famille, des affaires socialise, de la solidarity national, des handicaps et des persons de troisieme age.
Direction de la Famille, de l'enfance et de l'adolescence.
Then on to a Innovative Business Incubation Centre where post-graduates are helped and trained to be entrepreneurs in the fields of professional integration and here we heard of many that have entered into Organic farming. Each business group had within the building their own cubicle as office for their particular profession and groups of students were in meeting within their cubicle.
We continued to the University, a very large university where 150,000 students enrolled each year. These students graduated and it was impossible for them to find employment.
We met the Professor of Agriculture and he walked us through the extensive fields of healthy plants and research areas where plants were grown and their qualities studied. ONLY ORGANIC FARMING TAUGHT!!! For instance we met the student who was researching the effects and best way to grow the MIRACLE PLANT - little red berries that when eaten make a sour lemon taste sweet. Yes we tried this, tasted the sour lemon, ate the berry, then tasted he lemon again and it was sweet-a good way to overcome the need for sugar. The professor took us through the gardens explaining the medicinal qualities of the different plants grown there.
Then on to a young man with his own NGO who taught farming, organic farming, fish growing and livestock care, as well as teaching the English language (With great care to get the sound of the phonetics accurate)
Lastly today we went to a SOS home where about 100 children are cared for in 10 houses and school.
More about this tomorrow.
All in all a very fulfilling and informative day experiencing goodwill and innovation.