Renovation of Classrooms at Tanguiéta First Secondary School, Benin by African Parks

Tanguiéta, Benin: In March 2025, African Parks officials handed over a newly renovated two-storey building with six classrooms and a multipurpose room to the authorities of Tanguiéta's First Secondary School. This forms part of African Parks' wider effort to support schools and environmental clubs near Pendjari National Park. 

 The handover ceremony was attended by several departmental and municipal dignitaries, including the Prefect's Representative, the Mayor of Tanguiéta, the Departmental Director of Education, the Representative of the West African Savannah Foundation (FSOA), and officials from Pendjari National Park.

 Delighted with the donation, Mr. Bawath Alassane, Director of Tanguiéta First Secondary School, expressed gratitude to African Parks. "This modern and functional facility will significantly enhance student capacity, end-of-year results, and course quality, providing an environment conducive to pedagogical excellence," he said.

 Franck Kassa, a student representative, emphasised that the new building inspires learning and wished African Parks continued success. Paul Gnarigo, speaking on behalf of the teachers, welcomed the contribution to education. "Providing an adequate, secure, and well-equipped learning environment is invaluable. Thanks to this new infrastructure and the furniture provided, we, as teachers, can fulfil our mission with greater motivation and efficiency," he remarked.

"The building addresses almost half of Tanguiéta First Secondary School's classroom needs," said Hugues Akpona, African Parks' Regional Operations Manager for West Africa. "Supporting schools and education is one of the most powerful investments we can make to secure the future of Benin's important biodiversity. Our sincere thanks go to Marvin Schwartz and Mike Ringer for their gifts and West African Savannah Foundation (FSOA), which funds conservation projects in the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, including community development in areas bordering the parks."

Pendjari National Park is implementing a community development support plan for local communities, prioritising education. Since African Parks partnered with the government of Benin to manage Pendjari National Park in 2017, they have supported over 40 local public primary and secondary schools with furniture, teaching materials, and the payment of salaries for community teachers mobilised by Parents' Associations. 

 African Parks has also built kitchens in more than 20 primary schools to support school canteens. Additionally, the creation and operation of 18 environmental clubs in local schools help raise students' awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation, transforming them into advocates for nature and conservation ambassadors.

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