COVID-19 Response Project in the Education Sector in Benin

The COVID-19 Response Project in the Education Sector in Benin had two main objectives: (1) ensure continuity of teaching during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in deprived communes in the Recipient’s territory; and (2) increase the government’s preparedness to mitigate the effects of future crises. For Component 1 the Government of Benin implemented strategies such as: media and community sensitization campaigns; illustrated educational boards to be displayed in classrooms (186,000 copies) and teachers guide brochures (108,000 copies); also 20,440 hand washing facilities (HWFs) were distributed in July 2021 to 5,743 public schools. Additionally provision of school grants were signed and part of funds transferred to schools: (i) grants for school infirmaries; (ii) grants for remedial programs for students at risk of repetition and dropping out; (iii) grants for compensation of part of incidental costs paid for school canteens in deprived communes; and (iv) grant for the provision of water to schools which do not have access to a water point. 162,295 kits were distributed to students of deprived communes supported by the Project in September-October 2020 and September-October 2021, including 71,273 kits for grades 1 and 2 students, 85,260 kits for grade 2 students and 5,762 kits for grades 7 and 8 girls’ students. In addition, UNICEF also procured—using its own resources—school kits and distributed 10,448 to grades 7 and 8 girls’ students in deprived communes.