Sophie is a young entrepreneur from Benin who has a diverse business and is calling for positive change in her community after attending a training programme.
Sophie, a young entrepreneur from Benin, has transformed her life through determination and opportunity. Growing up in a small village in Ouémé department, she dropped out of school after failing her fifth year due to academic challenges.
“I was entirely dependent on my parents; I couldn’t support myself,” Sophie says.
Training boosts income
It was then that she decided to start making and selling maize porridge to earn a small income. Her story then took a significant turn when she was selected to join Plan International’s Youth Empowerment in West Africa (YEWA) training programme.
“This training turned me into an entrepreneur who learnt how to produce ecological charcoal. It’s a new profession that helps protect the environment. When I finished the training, I received a start-up kit containing all the materials I needed. Thanks to this support, I began making green charcoal, which I have been selling for a few months now” admits Sophie
“My training has been a catalyst for change, not just for me, but for my community too.”
Sophie
Sophie’s resourcefulness now extends beyond charcoal. She continues to sell maize porridge and has diversified to include macaroni, cassava flour, sugar and cakes. “Thanks to my charcoal sales, I earn a weekly profit of 5,000 CFA francs,” she explains.
Her ability to save and reinvest her profits has given her the means to develop new skills and achieve financial independence. “Along with my porridge sales, I can now afford the things I need and pay for a sewing apprenticeship,” says Sophie happily.
Driving positive change
As a member of a youth group in her village, she advocates for sexual and reproductive health and environmental conservation. Her work has raised awareness in her community about sustainability, public health and the advantages of using ecological charcoal.
“People now understand the importance of preserving our environment,” says Sophie.
Looking ahead, Sophie hopes to expand her knowledge of the green sector and establish herself as the leading supplier of ecological charcoal in her region. “My training in this sector has had a significant impact on my personal life and on my community who are now aware of sustainability and the benefits for public health.”
Sophie’s story reflects the success of the YEWA programme in empowering young people aged 14 to 35 in the communes of Adjohoun and Bonou. Funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by Plan International in partnership with the local NGO GBEWA. Through training and support, Sophie and her peers have become valuable contributors to their communities, equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive positive, sustainable change.
“My training has been a catalyst for change, not just for me, but for my community too,” she concluded.
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