On the occasion of the opening of the PATRIZIA Child Care Parakou, our Partner Manager Diego Arzabe traveled to Benin at the beginning of 2025. In addition to attending the opening ceremony, he gained deeper insights into the center and the people who are committed to making a difference on site.
Among other things, he had the opportunity to meet Father Auguste, the head of the Franciscans in the region, in person. Father Auguste shared how, 20 years ago, during well construction projects in northern Benin, he first encountered the problem of so-called “witch children.” These children are often seen as cursed and are cast out of their families—usually due to superstition or inexplicable family misfortunes. In the past, this frequently led to their death.
Despite awareness campaigns in collaboration with UNICEF and the French Embassy, discrimination against these children remains a serious problem—many continue to be ostracized, abandoned, or live on the streets without care, social support, or access to education.
This is why PATRIZIA Child Care was set up – deliberately in Parakou, as the problem is particularly prevalent in this region. The practice of infanticide and discrimination against so-called ‘witch children’ persists, particularly among the Pariba ethnic group in northern Benin. Although awareness campaigns have improved the situation, the deeply rooted beliefs are proving difficult to overcome.
The reasons for this often lie in deeply rooted cultural and social structures that have been handed down over generations and are slow to change.
The social acceptance of these children remains difficult and their reintegration is one of the biggest hurdles. This is why the centre in Parakou is not only a protective facility, but also a basis for social integration. During a visit to a nearby primary school, which is attended by many of the centre’s children, it became clear that these children already appear well integrated. They actively took part in lessons and played with other children – a positive sign that the social inclusion efforts are beginning to bear fruit.
Awareness-raising measures to strengthen children’s rights
A central item on the programme of the visit was an awareness-raising session on children’s rights, which was held for the children and teachers. A particularly dedicated animator led the session with a lot of energy and interaction. Through games, dance and song and practical exercises, he taught the children about their basic rights, including protection, education, participation and dignity. The teachers were also involved in the session to sensitise them to these issues and empower them in their daily work.
Particularly striking was their account of the dangers of working in the northern border regions of Parakou, where four years ago, two fellow sisters were abducted by Islamist groups and released for ransom. Despite these risks, they continue their work, as they believe that long-term change can only be achieved through continuous education and community involvement.
Diego’s trip to Benin left a very positive and lasting impression on him. One observation moved him deeply: “I asked the children what they wanted to become later in life—their answers were invariably professions dedicated to helping others: police officer, teacher, doctor. This showed that, despite everything, they have their hearts in the right place, and that this project now gives them the opportunity to make their dreams come true.”
Special thanks to Sonntag & Partner.
