School Canteens in Benin
Improving Student Enrollment and Retention in Partnership with Parents’ Associations
In 2001, in support of the Government of Benin’s stated priority of primary education for all, and with funding from the United States Agency for International Development’s Food for Peace program (USAID/FFP), CRS helped local parents’ associations operate school lunch canteens. As a result, participating rural primary schools showed a 20% increase in attendance, with more than 1,000 additional girls enrolling. Parents had literacy and nutrition training and learned skills to manage the canteens. Working through the parents’ associations to create local ownership of the program helped ensure the benefits of increased school attendance and greater participation by girls in school will be sustainable.
Maureen Magee
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