Background – Youths in Benin traditionally learn a trade by working in a smallbusiness run by one of their family members as a subworker. Although they can count themselves lucky to be able to learn a trade at all the work often crosses the line into the exploitation of minors. Many of the youths do hard physical labor for up to 14 hours a day.  It is even more difficult for minors who live on the streets to defend themselves against the exploitation of their labor. Even the training itself leaves something to be desired as their  bosses are often poorly qualified. That said, the artisan tradition of Benin nevertheless provides a solid basis for the development of a modern vocational training system adapted to local circumstances. Swisscontact has been a partner of trade associations and education authorities in this field for years.

Project – On behalf of UNICEF, Swisscontact works towards ensuring that minors receive proper vocational training instead of being exploited as unskilled laborers. The fourteen to eighteen-year-olds undertake a “pre-apprenticeship”, after which they can begin a formal dual apprenticeship in a company and at a vocational school (one day a week).  As part of this project, Swisscontact has upgraded the training on the job in several occupations. Such training is slightly less extensive than the dual apprenticeship and remains an option for youths who would not be considered for the best possible technical training due to their lack of prior skills. Thanks to this project, which began in 2008, 3,000 fourteen to eighteen-year-olds who previously had no chance of attaining vocational qualification have begun apprenticeships each year. Youths who had lived on the streets find a new home during their training.  They are free after a few years to seek employment as a qualified craftsperson or to open up their own business. A step forward for them is a step forward for the economic development of Benin.