Testimonial: Lorentus Houedote

"My name is Lorentus Houedote
I am President of the Association Éducative et Culturelle Asán Ogan and Coordinator of the Allada Youth Council.

In 2023, I had the privilege of leading a project that is particularly close to my heart: the collective creation of a mural in our commune of Allada, in Benin. This initiative came about thanks to a shared commitment, but also thanks to the skills acquired as part of the Acte-Afrique programme, supported by Action Education.

The fresco being painted

The training courses I took really strengthened me: I learnt how to structure a project, how to run inclusive workshops, how to put the beneficiaries at the centre of the approach... In short, how to make the actions more relevant, useful and meaningful.

With around twenty young people from Allada - pupils, apprentices, artists - we imagined, drew, learned the techniques of mural painting, then painted together, on the wall of the Centre des Jeunes et Loisirs, a colourful and symbolic fresco. The work illustrates the richness of Allada: its gastronomy, its agriculture, its biodiversity, its historical figures... but also a strong call to active citizenship. Through this project, the young people have shown that they can become fully involved in community life and contribute to the well-being of the community.

The fresco and its message of civic commitment

Today, this fresco is much more than a decoration. It has become a landmark in the town, a teaching aid for teachers and even a tourist attraction on our tours.
What struck me most was the development of the young participants: some discovered hidden talents, others gained in confidence, autonomy and team spirit. They have developed not only artistic skills, but also cross-disciplinary know-how: working together, meeting deadlines, public speaking, daring to take the initiative... For several of them, this experience has paved the way for a real vocation.

I can say it with conviction: this project can be replicated. We want to create other frescoes in the different districts of Allada, always using the same participative approach. I'm convinced that investing in the training and commitment of young people is a powerful lever for sustainable change.

That's what the Acte-Afrique project is all about. And that, in turn, is what we want to pass on through every brush we paint, every wall we reinvent, every young person we promote.