Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Facts about Benin

Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960, as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were alleged. KEREKOU stepped down at the end of his second term in 2006 and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and independent. YAYI has begun a high profile fight against corruption and has strongly promoted accelerating Benin's economic growth.** CIA World Fact Book 

Education in Benin

Many students in Benin, particularly girls, do not receive an education because of the costs involved and some cultural bias in favor of males. To this end, girls are directed towards selling in the market, or assisting parents in planting and/or farming. 

Although public school is nominally free in Benin for all students aged six through eleven, these students must purchase uniforms, books, and supplies, thus making it impossible for many potential students to attend school. Because of the reluctance on part of the parents to pay for girls to attend school, families with limited funds consistently prioritize formal education for sons over daughters. 
The above holds true when considering that Benin has a population of 8.8 million, of which 45% of Beninese are less than 15 years old, with boys having a primary school completion rate of 76% and girls one of 53%. 
To further complete the matter the Beninese government designates 23% of its national budget towards education.* * U.S. Agency for International Development As of 2002, the literacy rate for citizens over 15 years old in Benin was 34.7%. The rates vary significantly between men and women, with 47.9% of men over the age of 15 able to read and write, as compared to women 23.3%.** ** CIA World Fact Book