In late June, CAEES hosted the second annual Camp Espoir, a week long boys’ camp with 35 participants from across the central region of Benin. The camp focused on training the boys in leadership activities, gender equality issues, health care, and the importance of education. Camp Espoir, which means “Hope,” aims to help prepare the next generation of young men to be future leaders in their communities.

Why sponsor a boys’ camp? Recent programs in Benin have targeted the importance of girls’ education; however it is also necessary to educate young men to in order to better prepare them to be successful community members, husbands, fathers, and leaders.

We’re very proud of CAEES’ efforts in this area and look forward to establishing Camp Espoir as an annual tradition!