Nestling on the edge of the Dantokpa market, the biggest market in West Africa, two “shacks” stand out in the midst of an environment saturated with colour, noise and exotic smells. Inside, dozens of girls and boys, often very young, play, dance, sing, and learn to read or sleep on a bench.
“It is estimated that around 1,000 children live in the Dantokpa market”, explained Claudine Boyissou, responsible for managing one of the two shacks. “Every year, we take in between 300 and 400 children. We really are a time and a place to rest for them.”
Orphaned or living far from their families, these children make up a malleable and inexpensive workforce for the market vendors. They can be found behind almost every stall, selling or carrying heavy or bulky goods.
“These children are often victims of exploitation, abuse, violence and injustice. At night, they sleep under the market stalls or in insalubrious premises rented at exorbitant rates. There’s a lot going on in the market.” And, of course, these boys and girls do not go to school
“Gislain has been through this type of situation,” said Séverin Ahlonsou quietly, a specialised educator at the Foyer de Catchi, a VIA Don Bosco partner centre for street children. “It was the police who brought him to us. If my memory serves me right, it was in 2011-2012.”
At the time, Gislain was aged less than 14 and was just one of the thirty or so children that VIA Don Bosco’s partners managed to rescue from the market and the streets every year.
“Once these young people have left the market, our goal is to reintegrate them, firstly into education and then into the world of work”, explained Wisdom Tsedi, project coach at VIA Don Bosco. “To achieve this, we work with a whole network of partners, of which the barracks and the Foyer Catchi are the first link and our employment offices the final stage.”
Today, Gislain manages three farms. He is a consultant for farms in Benin and neighbouring countries, he trains many young people and runs Facebook and Whatsapp groups to pass on his knowledge. “Like all the young people from our partner schools, our employment office followed him for several years to advise him and ensure that his reintegration evolved as smoothly as possible.”
Gislain was able to realise his dream because he worked hard. He planned his project methodically and wisely, and showed great determination to see it through. Isabelle, his fiancée, is currently studying agroforestry. “My plan with Isabelle is to grow up. After that we can have two or three children, that’s it… that’s the end of it!” he concludes with a laugh.