Children's clubs, local partners and journalists honoured for their outstanding contribution to children’s rights in Benin 

By Carmen O. JOHNSON - Plan Benin

Children join the guest singer on stage

At the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, Benin, an extraordinary event took place last month. 12 trophies recognising the outstanding contributions of NGOs, community-based organisations, children’s clubs, artists and journalists to the promotion of the rights of the child, were awarded to 4 NGOs, 2 children’s clubs, 1 community-based organisation and 3 journalists. 

The Minister for Family, Social Protection and Solidarity attended the event and talked about what Benin is doing to improve the conditions of children. A child protection judge, President of the Jury, explained the convention and talked about its implementation in the country. 

A boy performing 'Kids Waves' on stage

The children were the main focus of the event. They performed their radio programme ‘Kids’ Waves’ and interviewed Plan Benin country director about the promotion of children’s rights. They were also encouraged to express their opinions about the Convention on the Rights of the Child through drama, poetry and song. 

The audience at the Palais was joined by thousands of radio listeners, tuning into Radio Tokpa. 

The importance of the ‘Be a part of it!’ Award

The ‘Be a part of it!’  Awards were started by Plan in Benin to recognise the outstanding contributions to the promotion of the rights of the child and the improvement of their living conditions. The originality of the initiative lies in the fact that in addition to the trophies, Plan supports the projects put forward by the awards’ winners, benefiting children. 

One of this year's winners

Following the previous edition of the awards, Plan has supported five projects, including birth registration, vocational training, the education of girls trafficked, and early marriage. 

This year’s projects include combating child trafficking, promoting birth registration and assisting children in difficult circumstances. 

Plan also provides support to those organisations and associations implementing the projects to ensure they are sustainable well into the future. 

The ‘Be a part of it!’ Award is a great opportunity to bring children and adults together to engage in creating a world fit for children.