Project title: Family mediation as a contribution to a protective environment for children in the departments of Ouémé, Plateau and Mono in Benin
Duration: October 2023 to September 2026
Local project partner: Espace Solidarité Globale Bénin (ESGB)
This project builds on two previous phases in which the family mediation approach was introduced, tested and integrated at community level in Benin.
In their work with children living on the streets or in exploitative working conditions, our partner ESGB found that broken family relationships were often responsible for the children's plight. It was at this point that ESGB first set up 5 specific mediation centres in Ouémé in 2017. These centres supported couples in conflict so that the well-being and rights of the children were taken into account, particularly in the event of separation. After initial scepticism, the offer of family mediation was increasingly accepted by the population until it finally met with very high demand. In a second phase, from 2020, the service was then expanded via local mediators based in 56 municipalities in the departments of Ouémé and Plateau and introduced as a permanent service. The accompanying awareness-raising work also served to prevent child rights violations and neglect in these communities.
The great demand for family mediation continues to this day. In a third phase, the approach is now to be extended to Mono, further anchored in all three departments (Ouémé, Plateau, Mono) and professionalised through group supervision. Representatives of the religious communities and local civil society organisations are being trained as mediators and supervisors by experienced psychologists. In addition, a platform for professional exchange and further training fosters the professionalisation of the mediation work, which is now carried out exclusively on a voluntary basis.
Overall objective: To improve a protective environment for children in the departments of Ouémé, Plateau and Mono
Project objective: The implementation of family mediation in cooperation with various child protection agents, the dissemination of legal provisions on parental responsibility and a culturally adapted child rights approach strengthen the protection of around 10,000 children in the departments of Ouémé, Plateau and Mono.
Sub-objectives:
Project costs: 704,000 euros
Financial partner: