Benin

Allocation: US$7 million

Years: 2020-2022

Grant agent: World Bank

Key documents:

• Application and program document
• Ministry of Education’s COVID-19 response plan

In Benin, the grant will support the following interventions:

• Back-to-school, gender sensitization and disease control and prevention campaigns
• Provision of hand washing facilities for schools, including hygiene kits, soap, masks and water and training of school infirmary staff
• Assess student learning levels and provide remedial programs to students at risk of dropping out
• Finance school canteens and learning kits for marginalized communities, children with disabilities and girls
• Support the development of partnerships between Ministries of Education and national radio and TV stations to create a conducive environment for distance learning
• Train teachers in digital skills to provide distance learning in the future

In late March 2020, the UNICEF office in Benin received a GPE grant of US$70,000 to support the Ministry of Education with developing a national response plan to COVID-19. The grant also supports broadcasting lessons via radio and producing sensitization tools for children.

Drawing on the country’s development objectives laid out in the “Vision Bénin Alafia 2025” and approved by the Government in June 2018, the new Education Sector Plan (ESP) for 2018-2030 highlights the government's vision that: "In 2030, Benin's education system ensures that all learners, without distinction, have access to the skills, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that will make them full-blown/fulfilled, competent and competitive citizens able to ensure economic growth, sustainable development and national cohesion".

The country’s education priorities are based on the policy options and principles mentioned in the sector plan, with particular emphasis on the implementation of the new architecture of the education system:

1. Implementing a 12-year universal basic education cycle in line with the universal right to education (SDG 4). This implies reforms and a better targeting of the educational offer for the benefit of boys and girls who are out of the school system.
2. Develop a vocational training offer adapted to the needs of economic development in partnership with the private sector through diversifying training programs; increasing reception capacities and improving the performance of technical and vocational education and training; and professionalizing higher education.
3. Improve the quality of teaching and learning by reforming the initial and continuing training of education sector actors, teachers, trainers and supervisors as well as administrative and guidance staff for all components of the education system.