Did you know that in Benin 1 on 4 girls give birth to their first child before the age of 18? Massive sensibilisation campagnes are required to make the girls more confident, but also to educate boys and men. Early motherhood entails many risks for the physical health of these young girls and their babies, as usually they don’t have access to the necessary medical care. Furthermore, they are forced to leave school to take care of their child(ren).
Together with Plan Belgium Brussels Airlines runs the unique "Together We Care" programme, fully funded by Brussels Airlines employees who donate a couple of euros from their monthly salary. Together We Care foresees in education, vocational training for the girls, but also in awareness building around early pregnancy in the communities.
Plan Belgium selected 4 young Belgian girls to become ambassadors of the project : Aline, Line, Zoé and Marlies flew to Benin, with the help of Brussels Airlines, to visit the project, to meet the girls, to help them become more confident throughs various activities,....A very emotional and impressive trip, that they will never forget. Two of the girls will come and share their story on 22 September, talking about their unique experience.
Click here to read the article on the subject with Brussels Airlines Country Manager for Benin, Alfred Kidjo.