“Azoli” : Lifeline for young Beninese people with little or no education

« Azoli », this is the government's new discovery to breathe new life into young unemployed Beninese people, left behind by the school system. The “Azoli” device, “The path to employment” literal translation of Fon, a vehicular language spoken in almost the entire southern part of the country, is a spearhead of the Youth Inclusion Project (ProDIJ) designed by the Beninese government and implemented by the National Employment Agency (APPEAL) with the support of the World Bank.

Launched since 2021, “Azôli” is intended for young people with little or no education (PPI) of 18 at 30 years (girls and men). The objective of the Beninese government in implementing this system is to increase the economic inclusion of targeted young people in a situation of underemployment or inactivity., with a low level of education (maximum BEPC). It is also about strengthening employment services and the technical and vocational training system in Benin.. « Azoli », it’s technical training, through an internship/apprenticeship of three (03) or six (06) months depending on cases and training, which can lead to paid employment or allows trainees to self-employ. This innovative program which aims to increase the employability of young people is a system which offers new opportunities for all young people in 77 communes of Benin. In its first phase, it is expected to touch 25.000 beneficiaries for decent and well-paid salaried employment as well as 11.000 young people in self-employment.

The beautiful part for girls….

“Azôli” intends to strengthen the capacities of young girls. On the 25.000 beneficiaries planned on the horizon 2025, the device intends to train 50% of women. With “Azôli”, having a baby is no longer a handicap for women's learning. The unmarried mother can be admitted to an internship/apprenticeship with the possibility of having her baby looked after free of charge during her training.. In the companies concerned, a community space welcoming children (ECAE) is installed. They are professional nannies, recruited by the National Employment Agency, who take care of the trainees' babies there.

…And to businesses

The “Azôli” system offers internship/apprenticeship opportunities to young people. On-site internships within companies. To do this, its implementation involves the structures. Partnerships are established with the latter. So, the promoters of those who, in need, are interested in the model, apply to train young people placed at their disposal by the National Employment Agency (APPEAL). It is enough that the company demonstrates the desire and has the capacity to welcome interns and is ready to train the interns.. To facilitate training, ANPE provides them with, training and protection kits. These include, among others, Personal Protective Equipment (Epi) for those in the industrial sector. Each of the trainees/apprentices have work equipment. ANPE, through the “Azôli” system has thought of everything, even to the subsistence of young people sent for training. It grants subsidies to trainees. It even pays travel expenses for those who leave locations far from their training sites. Some perceive up to 38.000 FCFA, others 40.000 FCFA throughout the training which lasts between three (03) and six (06). According to the project, trainees at the end of training, are recruited by the structures that trained them. Became employees, trainees/apprentices enjoy decent working conditions with formal contracts. In case, not all interns are recruited, the “Azôli” Device plans to accommodate them.

The other part of the system is support for self-employment. Here, 11.000 young people are called to be accompanied. An amount of 200.000 FCFA is intended to support them in initiating or carrying out their project. This after training in management of all kinds. Leadership, design and management of human and financial resources and above all growth of potential.

With “Azôli” from the National Employment Agency, more than 6.000 young girls and men are already trained. Several of them are hired and are already working with very decent incomes. A multitude of other beneficiaries are expected to take advantage of this opportunity offered to them. All they need to do is register on the ANPE website or go to ANPE agencies in their localities.. As well, Local Employment Promotion Units (ULPE) are they installed in the town halls of 77 communes of Benin to provide information and inventory. It is enough to have between 18 and 30 years with a diploma not exceeding the BEPC. Even those who have never set foot in school can also register to benefit from the internship/apprenticeship or self-employment training..

Arnaud ACAKPO (Coll)