The inaugural meeting on which the voluntary association ‘Yaoui e.V.’ was founded took place in Bonn, Germany on July 13, 2006. The name of the association is derived from the name of the village Yaoui in Benin, to which the initiators of the association have a relationship since 2002.
The aim of our association is the assistance and encouragement of aid projects in developing countries. We intend to broaden our commitment beyond the work in the village of Yaoui, but concentrate our work there momentarily.
The present work in Yaoui is based on the support of the Protestant Church in Bonn-Beuel, Germany. By founding an association the work has been expanded and could in the future potentially be extended to other social areas of the village of Yaoui.
The current project is the support of the school in Yaoui. In the first three years the money was handed out personally to the headmasters of the school and the village chief. The travelling costs of our member could be financed through other sources, so 100% of the donations were available for the school. Since then, donations are transferred by secure bank transfer. With the money a part of a teacher’s salary is covered, as well as various renovation and new construction projects on the school grounds. Due to the association’s help, the school was also supported by the state of Benin, so that school fees were eliminated and more families can now afford their children to attend school. Furthermore, teaching materials such as books, chalk, pencils, exercise books, etc. are continuously financed for the students. Through the continuous support of the association, these on-site measures shall continue to be supported. Meanwhile, a large part of the annual donations can be passed on to the school through membership fees alone. An important partner in supporting the association’s projects over recent years has been the Protestant Church Bonn-Beuel through its donations to Yaoui e.V..
The goal of the association is to deepen the existing cooperation with the school in Yaoui and to potentially extend it to economic, social and ecological areas.
In order to continue supporting this development, we welcome any kind of support.
First Contacts with Yaoui
The initiators of the future association have a relationship with the village of Yaoui in Benin since 2002.
Founding of Yaoui e.V.
The inaugural meeting takes place on 13 July 2006 in Bonn. Aim: assistance and encouragement of aid projects in developing countries.
School Fees Covered
In the early years, school fees were covered by the association. The donated money was handed over personally to the school headmasters, ensuring 100% of donations went directly to the school.
Fees Drop – Enrolment Rises
Due to the association's help, the school was also supported by the state of Benin. School fees were eliminated and more families can now afford their children to attend school. Pupil numbers rose by more than 25%.
Trip to Benin – Project Secured
When existing contacts are no longer available, an association delegation travels personally to Yaoui. Funds are handed over directly and new contacts are established.
105 New School Benches
Using donated funds, 105 school benches are produced by local craftsmen. Each bench now seats two pupils instead of up to six. Donors' names are incorporated into the benches.
Sanitary Facilities & Recreation Center
Dilapidated school buildings are renovated and the first ever toilet facility is built. The Recreation Center, with an 86 m² hall, is inaugurated in February 2018 for school and village.
New Teachers & Equipment
Four new qualified teachers are hired. Chairs and sports equipment are purchased for the Recreation Center. Teaching materials such as books, chalk, pencils and exercise books continue to be financed.
Expansion & More Teacher Salaries
The Recreation Center is equipped with a solar system, computer and printer – the school's own reliable power source for the first time. Two additional teacher salaries are also financed by the association.
In Memory of Ulrich Scharf
Dear Uli,
with great gratitude we look back on the time we were allowed to spend with you. You have been an essential pillar of our association from the start. But most of all you were a wonderful friend. We will miss the mutual discussions, your advice in all situations, your humor and your unwavering optimism.
Your visit to Benin and Yaoui in early 2014 meant a lot to you and was also extremely important for the association. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for that, too. We hope you are well at the place you are now. Maybe you look down on us from time to time and remind us with a smile of your motto: Don’t panic!
Ulrich Scharf left us on March 13, 2020 after a long illness.