School life
In a Benin classroom
Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.
All country briefings
Africa · Country briefing
Benin
A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.
- CapitalPorto-Novo
- Population~13 million
- Time zoneAfrica/Lagos (UTC +1)
- CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Benin, with Porto-Novo marked
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Climate in November: Dry season in many regions; warm.
The capital
Porto-Novo
Photo · Wikimedia Commons
Fun facts
What makes Benin a bit special.
Ganvié Stilt Village
A whole town built on water - Africa's Venice
Open lesson
Pendjari National Park
One of West Africa's wildest wildlife havens
Open lesson
Royal Palaces of Abomey
A UNESCO World Heritage Site telling centuries of history
Open lesson
Door of No Return
A powerful memorial monument on the Ouidah shoreline
Open lesson
Cotonou Markets
The buzzing heart of Benin's biggest city
Open lesson
Atakora Mountains
Benin's dramatic highland where villages cling to rocky hillsides
Open lesson
Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.
Native animals
Wildlife your partner class might know best.
- 🐘
African Elephant
The largest land animal on Earth - and one of the smartest
Open lesson
- 🌊
West African Manatee
A gentle giant that glides through Benin's rivers and lagoons
Open lesson
- 🐒
Patas Monkey
The fastest monkey in the world - a sprinter of the savannah
Open lesson
Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.
Greetings to learn
Say hello like a local
- Hello!French
Five questions to ask
Conversation starters
- 01What does your school day look like?
- 02What do you eat at lunch?
- 03What games do you play at break?
- 04What's the weather like today?
- 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?
What not to assume
Friendly cautions
- ℹBenin has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
- ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Culture
Food, music, sport, festivals.
Food
Music
Festivals
Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.
Reflection prompts
- “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
- “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”
Could your class meet Benin?
Choose Beninwhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.