About Us

The Benin Education Fund is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that works to provide children in rural Benin the opportunity to attend school. We are especially focused on girls education and are continually increasing the percentage of girls in the program.

Our goal is for as many students as possible in the program to graduate from high school and to pass the International Baccalaureat exam (commonly known as the BAC). With the BAC credential, students will be able to find work as teachers, bookkeepers, or administrative staff. They may also choose to pursue further studies at the university level.

Our hope is that with a solid education, our students will be able to provide for themselves and their families, and will be able to contribute back to their local communities.

The fund is managed by a US-based all-volunteer board, and one full time staff based in Benin.

Our Story

Alphonse Kouagou was born in the village of Tampegre in northern Benin. He has ten brothers and sisters, none of whom can read or write. Alphonse’s native language is Ditammari; he also speaks two other African languages, French, and English.

At the age of six, Alphonse was recruited by the village chief to attend the new primary school in his village. The school had one teacher and one textbook for each subject, shared by all 200 students.

To pay the public school fees, his parents sold grain and livestock. Like other students, Alphonse worked on the farm on weekends.

After primary school, at 13, Alphonse chose to continue his education. With a few francs and a sack of yams, he walked 20 miles to the city where the high school was located.

Alphonse later began teaching French and local African languages to US Peace Corps Volunteers, which eventually led him to the US.

Today, Alphonse has a BS, a CPA, and an MBA. The dream of helping young people in Benin has been realized with the Benin Education Fund.