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In
the early 1980's, a small group of people led by Father Godfrey
Nzamujo determined that the level of development in Africa was grossly
insufficient and sought to restore dignity to the African people.
The result was the creation of the Songhai Center. Named after the
famed 15th-century Malian empire,
Songhai is a center for training, for production, research and development
of sustainable agricultural practices. The movement seeks to augment
the standard of living of Africa's populations using the following
methods for the creation of viable agricultural enterprises:
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Through the use of local resources, traditional and modern methods;
- Through
the hybridization of traditional and modern agricultural practices;
- Through
the instruction and implementation of effective management;
- Through
the encouragement of individual and communal responsibility and
initiatives;
- Through
the inclusion of diverse opinions.
The ambition of Songhai is to foster an environment of creativity
and innovation and as a result, reestablish a stable African society.
Songhai draws inspiration from "the Timbuctu effect" -
Pride, progress and effective result-, by clearly emphasizing all
the advantages Africa offers. Citizens can therefore benefit from
globalization rather than be excluded from it or solely bear the
weight of its effects.
Funds
are collected from the sale of Songhai's own products as well
as grants from various partners. Most of Songhai's resources are
used to finance production activities while a small portion is
allocated to administrative expenses. The ongoing objective is
to attain 100% financial independence.
Songhai is an institution which seeks to exist via its own efforts
and which finances its programs primarily from revenues generated
by its own activities. In addition to the internally generated
funds, several partners support many of Songhai's investment projects.
They include the following organizations:
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SONGHAI
- SOME FACTS AND FIGURES
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More than 400 students in training in the centers located
in Porto Novo, Savalou, Parakou, and Kinwedji for an 18-month
training period.
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More
than 250 farms established in all the regions and managed
by the young people trained in Benin; they are brought together
under a Network involving local coordinating units.
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More
than 300 participants from various countries and from all
walks of life take part each year in short-term training programs
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More
than 150 permanent staff, facilitators, technicians and administrators
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More
than 4,000 visitors every year.
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More
than 40 partners from public and private institutions, NGOs,
associations, universities, and international institutions
like USAID and UNDP.
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