Church Builds Cafeteria for School in Republic of Benin

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has built and donated a new refectory (cafeteria) to the Public Nursery School of Lobozounkpa, in the district of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin.  Also donated was a fully equipped kitchen, tables, and chairs for the children.  The school hosted a donation event on 4 August 2023.  Leaders from the Church and the community joined together with school employees and students to celebrate the new cafeteria and kitchen.

“This beautiful gem will help ensure a good, hygienic environment and great meal service for our children,” said Carolle Gninafon, Headmistress of the Public Nursery School. “Good health begins with good nutrition.” She also thanked the Church of Jesus Christ for the generous donation and noted that,” In society we oftentimes do not share the same points of view and the same opinions, but certain values rally all minds, and our children and our schools allow us to work together to shape a better world.”

Obed Couton, Councillor of the Town Hall of Abomey-Calvi and representative of the mayor at the ceremony noted that, “What this Church has done is wonderful.  There are so many other donors that should follow suit and support this school and the children of this community.  This is a great start.”  Another city official, Germain Hounfonou added,” The contribution that this Church has made to this school, and the children of our community, leaves an indelible mark.”

The National Communication Director of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Léandre Adimou noted that, “We are delighted that this donation can meet the real needs of the school and its beneficiaries.  We encourage all of those involved with the school to adopt a maintenance culture and maintain this facility properly.  In that way it will bless the lives of the children in Lobozounkpa for generations to come.”

The Republic of Benin is in West Africa.  It is bordered by Nigeria to the East and Togo to the West, with the Atlantic Ocean on its southern border.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received formal recognition in Benin in 2003 and organized it’s first branch two years later. The Church grew quickly, and other branches soon followed.  Three years after the first branch was established, three branches had been organized.  In 2012 the first district was formed in Cotonou and, just four years later, the district became the first stake in Benin.  Currently there are 5,897 members of the Church and 23 congregations in Benin.