An important step in the service of women, families and children
Saturday, November 16, 2024 will remain a memorable date for MIVO and the communities it supports. In Cotonou, Benin, the Maison MIVO, hosted by Fondacio Benin, was inaugurated with enthusiasm and hope, symbolizing a new impetus for initiatives dedicated to women, families and children in vulnerable situations.
This milestone event took place in an atmosphere of love, sharing and solidarity. Delegations from Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, as well as representatives of the Co-Presidency and technical partners, honored this day with their presence. Beninese institutions were also strongly represented, notably by the President of the National Women's Institution, who praised MIVO's efforts to build harmonious and autonomous homes.
A meaningful inauguration
For 50 years, Fondacio has dedicated its efforts, skills and resources to supporting local communities facing major educational, social and economic challenges. The organization intervenes in the countries where its members live and work.
MIVO is an initiative developed in Benin as part of Fondacio's pastoral project. Its objective is to improve the condition of women in society. To date, MIVO has benefited more than 286 women through targeted programs including:
- Personalized support,
- Training,
- Support for the development of entrepreneurial initiatives in urban and rural areas.
Organized as a prelude to the International Day for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence, this inauguration reflects the fundamental values upheld by MIVO and Fondacio: listening, solidarity and peace. The testimonies of beneficiaries recalled the transformations already made in the lives of many women and families, thanks to support, training and psychological support programs.
The MIVO House will become a space for growth, where women can develop their talents, share their experiences and build a better future for themselves and their children.
This day was also marked by the inauguration of the "Garden of Mivo Meetings", named "Garden of the Samaritan and Integral Ecology". This garden symbolizes the harmony between nature and humanity, creating a space for life, hope and community resilience.
The ceremony concluded with highlights: the sharing of the water of friendship and the celebration of mass, thus sealing this inauguration in a spirit of communion and fraternity.
Bénoit Vignon (Co-president of Fondacio International)
"Let's never lose hope"
Building a better, more humane, fairer and more ecological world is our deep conviction. This transformation involves the transformation of people, and this is precisely what we want to achieve in this house, especially for women.
We want to work to lift up women who have been broken by life's challenges. We offer them a space for recovery and restoration of confidence, so that they become, in their homes, their lives and their professions, agents of change and builders of a new and better world.
I firmly believe that every human being deserves a helping hand. To all those who are going through difficulties, I want to say: have faith. I am convinced that Fondacio, as well as other projects, will cross your path to support you and lift you up. Let us never lose hope.
Jérôme TOZE (Co-president of Fondacio International)
“We help women discover and realize their dreams”
Fondacio, founded in 1974, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Present in Benin since 1981 thanks to Mgr Patient Redois, then Bishop of Natitingou, Fondacio has expanded to 24 countries, including 10 in Africa, with locations in Natitingou, Parakou, Cotonou, Porto-Novo and Sô-Zounko, a lakeside city on Lake Nokoué.
Committed to building a more just and humane world, marked by the Love of God and neighbor, Fondacio joyfully inaugurates the Mivo Center, a house dedicated to women. This place supports women to become agents of change in their communities.
With projects such as career campuses, Fondacio supports women in discovering and realizing their dreams. We warmly thank our partners and the Beninese clergy for their valuable support in this mission.
Christine and Dominique Détollenaéré - Members of Fondacio Belgium
“Walking in hope has inspired us”
A few years ago, I learned about the existence of training sessions, meetings and places for discussion offered to Beninese women in Cotonou. These aimed to support them in their fragility and/or their precariousness in difficult situations. I was very touched by the initiative and the concern for caring for vulnerable women. A deep sensitivity motivated us both, Dominique and I, to take up the challenge, together with the promoters of this nascent project, which would later be called Mivo. Today, it is a real honor to be present and to support this high-quality and well-studied project. We are very happy to participate in the inauguration of this exceptional place. Walking in hope inspired us!
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