The Foundation Tobé Benin was established in Switzerland in 1999 and has been officially recognised in Benin, West Africa since 2007. It carries out hands-on, locally rooted development work with a focus on forest conservation, beekeeping and education.
The foundation’s work began in the village of Koko in central Benin and has since expanded to support forest conservation projects in various regions across the country. The aim of the foundation is to empower people to improve their living conditions independently and creatively, enabling them to contribute to the well-being of their communities. Young people should have the opportunity to develop their talents within their own village and use them responsibly – growing into confident, proud and conscious citizens.
The foundation protects 350 hectares of savannah forest known as Tobé, which belongs to two families. Young trees are planted and paths are maintained, which also serve as firebreaks in case of bushfires.
Forest conservation and beekeeping go hand in hand: without forests there are no bees, and without bees there is no honey. Each year, pure, organic honey is harvested and sold throughout Benin.
The «Ayeke» school (Yoruba for «life cares for us»), comprising a kindergarten and a primary school, offers young people in the village of Koko a broad and, above all, culturally grounded basic education.
The foundation supports small-scale projects that contribute to a better life in Koko. These include, among others, poultry farming, a microcredit scheme for women, and initiatives to preserve traditions.
The Tobé Foundation carries out small-scale, local and direct development work in Koko in central Benin, West Africa, based on forest conservation, beekeeping and education, with long-standing experience.
Every donation supports the Tobé Foundation in ensuring that, in the small town of Koko, many ordinary people achieve great things through many small actions that improve daily life.
