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Children being served food in Benin

Benin

Mary’s Meals provides life-changing daily meals in severely impoverished communities in central to southern-eastern areas of Benin.

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Where we work

Life in Benin

Benin is currently ranked 158 out of 189 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI).

Food insecurity, low-incomes, malnutrition and gender inequality are just some of the key challenges facing impoverished people in Benin.  Almost half of the population is currently living below the International Poverty Line ($1.90 per day).  As a result, in Benin, 32.2% of children under five have stunted growth and around 52% of children do not complete primary education.  Almost two thirds of the population is unable to read and write.

The official language in Benin is French, but a diverse range of more than 50 indigenous languages are spoken. Most of the population lives on the southern coastline of the Bight of Benin, part of the Gulf of Guinea. Benin is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the north-west, and Niger to the north-east

small boy smiling at the camera whilst balancing a large metallic bowl on his head

Mary’s Meals in Benin

Mary's Meals has been serving school meals in Benin since 2011, working closely with the Sœurs de Marie de la Médaille Miraculeuse. We feed children living in severely impoverished communities in five schools across the country.

We are serving 3,458 children at schools based in Hondji (southwest Benin), Biro (northeast Benin), Adido (central Benin) and Hozin (southeast Benin) every day.

Related Articles

When did we start working in Benin?

Mary’s Meals has been serving school meals in Benin since 2011

How many children do we feed in Benin?

We are currently feeding 3,458 children in five schools

What meal is provided?

The typical school meal we serve is maize or rice with beans, vegetables, meat, fish or eggs

Where are we based/where do we operate?

Our programme operates in Hondji (southwest Benin), Biro (northeast Benin), Adido (central Benin) and Hozin (southeast Benin)

What is the capital of Benin?

The capital city of Benin is Porto Novo

What language(s) are spoken in Benin?

The official language of Benin is French. The most widely spoken indigenous language in Benin is Fon

What currency is used in Benin?

West African CFA franc (XOF)

What is the population of Benin?

The population of Benin is 12,726,528