Projects
42. Fighting malaria to improve the quality of education
Description
Duration: 1 year
Promotor: Welcome Center for Education and Promotion of the Child
Beneficiaries: 565 Children
Total budget: 4050 €
Outside financing sought: 3653 €
Project
Background information
Despite the fact that education is free in Benin, enrolment and completion rates remain low. Among the causes of this school deficit are poor sanitary conditions. In particular, Benin is highly affected by malaria, as are many other African countries. This is the primary cause of consultation and hospitalization. Malaria is also one of the leading causes of death among children. Combating this scourge is therefore an absolute necessity to enable the country to develop.
Project description
The CAEPE-ONG association, a member of IDAY-Benin, proposes an original solution to fight malaria among children and their teachers: setting up gardens in schools and childcare centres in difficult situations, where the plant Artemisia annua will be grown. Artemisia annua is known for its antimalarial effects. Some of its components are also used in the manufacture of anti-malarial drugs, but they remain too expensive for most Beninese. Consumed as an infusion, it acts as a preventive measure and as a remedy against malaria. Planted in front of schools or homes, it is also a powerful repellent against mosquitoes. The approach proposed by this project is based on the fact that the school is a place of encounter, exchange and learning for life. It is therefore the perfect place for children and teachers who have learned through the project to cultivate and use the plant to pass on their knowledge to their parents and relatives.
Objectives
> Combat malaria in schools to improve the presence, attendance and outcomes of learners and teachers
> Inform and raise awareness among managers and children in care centres about Artemisia Annua and its benefits in the fight against malaria
> Train managers and children in the reception centres on the cultivation and use of the plant
Expected Results
> A significant reduction in the incidence of malaria in the project’s 4 centres for children in difficult situations and 2 primary schools
>A decrease in the absenteeism rate of students and teachers by at least 50% after one year
> A reduction in medical expenses related to malaria
> A reduction in the rate of school wastage, an increase in student performance and success rates
> Production of seeds and seedlings made available to other schools and centres