September 2025 in Benin marks the start of a major event: the start of the school year. This year, since Mondays 8 and 15, the government, teachers, supervisory bodies, parents, and children have been actively mobilizing to ensure that the pre-school and official start of the school year take place under the best possible conditions.
Thematic conferences
It is also time for the Beninese Coalition of Organizations for Education for All (CBO-EPT) to set the tone as part of the implementation of the Local Partnership for Education (PLE), established under the leadership of Woord en Daad. And it is through departmental thematic conferences that it works to rally hearts to the challenges of its fight for quality and inclusive education.
Non-stigmatizing language
Entitled “thematic conferences for sharing good practices developed on inclusion and appropriation of everyday language adapted to disabilities”, it was the Mono department that hosted the first episode of this season. This meeting is part of the continuity of the actions of the Local Partnership for Education (PLE-Benin) consortium, aimed at strengthening the capacities of educational actors around the issues of inclusive and quality education. This year, the focus is on sharing good practices developed at the national level, clarifying concepts related to disability, and mobilizing stakeholders around respectful and non-stigmatizing language in schools.
Rich discussions
The discussions were rich and participatory, bringing together representatives from departmental educational institutions, civil society organizations, women’s and disability associations, teachers, and community members. Through group work, thematic presentations, interactive discussions, and collective engagement, participants reaffirmed their commitment to making language a lever for inclusion in our schools.
Next destinations
The CBO-EPT, the local partners of the PLE consortium, and Woord en Daad thank all those present for their continued mobilization and commitment, and reaffirm their determination to continue advocating for inclusive, equitable, and disability-sensitive education in all departments of Benin. The course is set on the next destinations, namely Ouémé, Borgou, Alibori, Donga, and Plateau.
