Africa
TOSTAN and GIZ announce the launch in Benin of the project “Eco-systemic engagement for citizen-led peace and social cohesion”. Funded by the Fonds Régional de Stabilisation et de Développement, FRSD, an initiative of ECOWAS and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, BMZ, this project aims to promote social cohesion and prevent violent extremism in Benin.
The increase in conflicts over access to resources, tensions between herders and farmers, and the risk of violent extremism in recent years in northern Benin calls for collaborative and inclusive solutions.
This innovative project addresses these challenges by building the capacities of key players such as policy-makers, civil society organizations (especially women and youth), and agro-pastoral networks to better address mental health and psychosocial issues, prevent violence and build social cohesion at community level.
The project’s approach is based on synergy between these players, enabling us to step up efforts on mental health and psychosocial support, strengthen grassroots conflict prevention mechanisms, promote inclusive governance and guarantee shared and equitable management of resources.
Through a series of interactive knowledge-sharing seminars, the various players will be trained in the key principles of Tostan’s non-formal education model, centered on human rights and rooted in African cultural values.
“Social cohesion requires that people have access to contextually and culturally appropriate approaches to addressing their mental health and wellbeing. We promote approaches to mental health and psychosocial support that are inclusive, participatory and community-led. It’s crucial to create an inclusive environment where every stakeholder, especially women, young people and marginalized groups, can flourish and actively contribute to building collective wellbeing. This strengthens community resilience and solidarity.” Yussuf Sané, Program Leadership Team Coordinator, Tostan.
Strengthening the mental health of women and young people
The project focuses on the mental health of women, young people and vulnerable groups, who are often the first victims of the socio-economic consequences of conflict. Their emotional and physical wellbeing is an essential element not only in ensuring their individual resilience, but also in fostering strong social cohesion at community level.
“Psychosocial support for women, young people and other marginalized groups is not only a priority for their individual well-being, but also crucial for strengthening social cohesion”, Yussuf Sané.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Tostan.
A.I
Dec. 20, 2024
Tags: ECOWAS Yussuf Sané
