Construction of the Youth Guidance, Prevention and Listening Centre at the MIMA Centre in Benin (COPEJ)

In Benin, despite rapid population growth and political efforts to improve youth health, access to appropriate healthcare services remains limited, particularly in rural areas. The lack of support and prevention services for adolescents contributes to increased risks of early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and school dropout. The Youth Guidance, Prevention, and Support Center (COPEJ) project is being implemented in the Zounzonmé district, Abomey commune, in southern Benin. This rural area in the Zou department, approximately 250 km from Cotonou, has nearly 12,000 inhabitants, the majority of whom are young people living in precarious conditions without stable access to water, electricity, or appropriate healthcare services. Girls, in particular, face school dropout, early marriage, and a lack of reliable information on sexual and reproductive health, in a context marked by strong cultural taboos. To address these challenges, COPEJ will rely on a strong partnership between local and international associations and the Adingnignon health center. This center will offer a space for discussion, support, leisure activities, and awareness-raising adapted to the realities of young people in rural areas, to strengthen their access to rights, health education, and compassionate care.