Program Innovations from THP-Benin in 2011
Update to the Global Board
October 2011
The first six months of 2011 brought innovative new programs to THP-Benin. In late March, the organization launched a brand new agro-forestry initiative in six epicenters, known as “Moringa ++,” to address three prongs of the Epicenter Strategy: food security, health and nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
During Quarters 1 and 2, THP-Benin also refined its Youth Mobilization Initiative, and continued to work on non-formal education initiatives to mobilize the epicenter’s youth. Microfinance Program (MFP) performance remained strong, with three epicenters (Kissamey, Bétérou, Ouissi) making all current loan repayments on time. However, THP-Benin still struggles to achieve gender equality in its pre-schools, and administrative setbacks resulted in the delayed construction of Tré Epicenter in Quarter 2.
Accomplishments
THP-Benin has demonstrated a strong willingness to innovate and implement new, cross-cutting projects that represent the Epicenter Strategy’s integrated approach. Innovations at THP-Benin include:
- Youth Mobilization: inviting youth to attend Vision, Commitment and Action (VCA) workshops, HIV/AIDS workshops, and to become Agriculture Trainers of Trainers (ToTs).
- Cross-cutting Projects: the Moringa ++ initiative described above impacts food security, health and nutrition and environmental sustainability.
- Advocacy: THP-Benin developed an outreach initiative to promote THP-Benin’s strategy to local authorities and international NGOs.
- Partnerships: Health insurance plans offering coverage for health costs increased community visits to the health centers; membership was offered at a rate of 50 percent cost coverage for a $10 annual membership.