Maévah St-Louis, international development and globalization
Location: Cotonou, Benin
Canadian NGO: CECI - Center for International Studies and Cooperation
Local NGO: Women in Law and Development Africa (WILDAF) - Benin
As soon as I arrived in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, I was greeted by a wave of heat, smiles and car horns. The city is a whirlwind of colours, sounds and smells. The markets are bustling, filled with fruit, vibrant fabrics and friendly people. Every street corner seems to tell a story.
After work, I spend my afternoons exploring Dantokpa, West Africa's largest market. The hustle and bustle and crowds can be exhausting, but the rewards of fresh fruit and discovering the vibrant local culture are well worth it. Every visit is a new surprise, from colourful textiles to unique spices. This experience offers an excellent opportunity to learn more. It's these moments that shape experiential learning.
Experiential learning is at the heart of this course. Every interaction, every project and every challenge encountered has been an opportunity to learn and grow. By creating links between the classroom, the workplace and daily life here in Benin, I continue to shape my understanding of international development. Working with WILDAF Benin has enabled me to discover the inner workings of local NGOs. This week, I had the opportunity to lead a workshop on climate change. The questions asked gave me a better understanding of what resilience is and how to tackle climate change challenges in the Beninese context. This opportunity pushed my critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills even further. This experience is proving to be a real learning journey, both professionally and personally. Not only did this internship enable me to develop professional skills, it also opened my eyes to different social and environmental realities.
What has impressed me most since my arrival is the remarkable generosity and warm welcome of the Beninese people. In my neighborhood, every interaction is marked by warm greetings and smiles, accompanied by cheerful "bonsoirs" when I return home. Another striking aspect is the omnipresence of Afrobeats music, which fills the air with its infectious rhythms. Whether it's people singing joyfully or dancing spontaneously, music plays a central role in everyday life here. In addition, the local cuisine was also a delightful discovery. The diversity of flavours and dishes, such as tasty mashed yams with peanut sauce or delicious 'doko yovo' doughnuts, is simply amazing. Every meal reflects the culture of Benin. Together, these elements - the warm hospitality, the vibrant music and the delicious food - make my experience in Benin both rewarding and unforgettable so far.