Faced with the health crisis affecting the entire world, countries do not all have the same resources and do not all deploy the same aid. In order to protect local populations and fight against the spread of Covid-19 in Benin, the local agency Voyages Modestes, members of the Nomadays collective, launched an appeal for help, heard by the association Tous Semblables, Tous Différents.
Together, Voyages Modestes and the TSTD association carried out a hopeful project, that of making and distributing as many masks as possible to schools as well as to the most disadvantaged families in Benin.
In Benin, mandatory masks
In Benin, the government decided to make mask-wearing mandatory and made masks available to the population but the quantities are insufficient. Quality protective masks being financially out of reach for the most disadvantaged families, many of them cannot protect themselves properly against coronavirus. Such a mask costs around 3€ while the minimum wage in Benin is 62€ per month.
Hoping to help these families in need, Isaac Abissi, director of the local agency Voyages Modestes launched an appeal and a fundraising campaign to collect funds to buy masks and distribute them.
A solidarity project becomes reality
The association Tous Semblables, Tous Différents responded to the appeal and decided to explore all possibilities to help local populations in Benin.
After consideration, the idea of making the masks themselves appeared to be the best and most economical solution. To do this, the TSTD association called upon the skills of the sewing workshop of the Foyer Oasis et Tokpota, a facility that takes care of girls who are victims of abuse.
This is how Voyages Modestes and Tous Semblables Tous Différents and Foyer Oasis et Tokpota joined forces to launch the solidarity action for the creation of handmade masks.
Edmée Say, the director of the facility, as well as all the girls and staff of the orphanage are mobilizing to make washable and durable quality masks within their sewing workshop. The masks are then carefully packaged and distributed to schools and disadvantaged families by young volunteers.
Today, 300 masks have already been created. To continue, the project needs you!
Let's support Benin in the fight against Covid-19
This beautiful solidarity action to help schools and disadvantaged families in Benin protect themselves from Covid-19 needs support. A solidarity fundraising campaign on the Helloasso website was launched to raise 500€. The ultimate goal: the distribution of 1000 masks!
1€ donated will allow 2 washable and durable masks to be made.
To participate in this beautiful project, we invite you to make a donation. Every action, however small, can change and save lives.
- Make a donation to fight Coronavirus in Benin -
Charlène Desdoits
