Back to School in Benin: The State Supports Children of Deceased Military Personnel

National solidarity with the bereaved families of the armed forces was demonstrated this Thursday, September 3, during a ceremony held at the Cotonou Air Base.

On the occasion of the 7th edition of the national school support program, nearly 900 children of active-duty deceased military personnel benefited from state assistance.

Presided over by the Minister Delegate in charge of National Defense, Gildas Agonkan, alongside the Minister of Family and Social Action, Véronique Tognifodé, this initiative enabled the distribution of more than a thousand school kits.

In his speech, the Defense representative paid a heartfelt tribute to the fallen soldiers while praising the resilience of their families, emphasizing that these donations symbolize “the promise of the Republic that does not forget” and serve as a bulwark against school dropout.

Sustainable Support and a Message of Hope for Widows

Beyond mere supplies, the government intends to maintain ongoing support for these households. Addressing the widows of military personnel directly, Véronique Tognifodé praised their courage in bearing alone the heavy responsibility of their children’s education and future, while urging them to keep hope alive despite the pain of mourning.

Initiated in 2020 by the Ministry of Defense with about a hundred beneficiaries at the General Staff, this program has gradually expanded to all garrisons across the national territory to now reach nearly 900 children, thus sustaining the Nation’s commitment alongside the families of its soldiers.