Photo credits: Aide et Action
After more than two months of forced rest due to COVID-19, students in exam classes have returned to school in Benin. But to prevent schools from being places where the virus is transmitted, it is sometimes necessary to use imagination.
Within the framework of the Support Project to Secondary Education in Benin (PAESB), Aide et Action has reoriented its activities towards hygiene awareness in schools. The General Education Colleges (CEG) in the communes of Allada, Cotonou and Zé were visited by our project facilitators for awareness sessions on barrier measures against COVID-19.
Solutions for everyone
In the classroom, basic sanitary measures are being implemented, willy-nilly. Teachers, administrative staff and all students are wearing masks, as planned, thanks to a provision made by the State as part of the accompanying measures for the resumption of classes.
In order to respect the regulatory distance meter, No more than two pupils should be seated at each bench, which meant that the pupils had to be divided into additional classes. This was made possible by the limited number of pupils in the school. In addition, all teachers are currently requisitioned and organised by subject to provide lessons to all classes.
As for the hand-washing facility, a solution within everyone's reach was put in place. Clean jerry cans, ropes and wooden poles were used to make basic hand-washing stations. The stakes are planted in the ground to support a cross-beam that holds the cans. A rope runs from the top of the canister to a wooden lever. That's it! All you have to do is add the water and soap.
In addition to raising awareness about COVID-19, our facilitators also addressed other issues facing Benin's schools, notably school dropouts and gender-based violence.
