About Us
The founder of CPAAC-Zou wanted to help underprivileged children from poor families, because that’s exactly what he was.
CPAAC-Zou’s school building in Dassa, Benin is now being expanded so we can serve more children.
In 1987, a school teacher who grew up in Benin, Janvier Adigninou Houlonon, realized that his success did not happen by accident. It all started with his parents who encouraged him to attend school and found the money to pay for supplies and fees. This was not inconsequential as Janvier’s family was poor and money was extremely difficult to come by.
But he saw, as his parents did, that an education unlocks so many doors for emotional and financial success, that he wanted to create more opportunities for others. And so Janvier founded CPAAC-Zou, the Center for the Promotion of Art Crafts, and Cultural Activities of Zou. As he put is, “Behind this name lies a story and the motivation that created the ambition that remains anchored in my life today: to provide underprivileged children with education, housing, good food, clothing, medical care, and employment through training/apprenticeship in the arts, crafts, and culture. My goal is to spare these disadvantaged children the difficult life I experienced as a disadvantaged child from a poor family in a disadvantaged community.”
And so, with this worthy mission, CPAAC-Zou has gone on to serve 150 students every year, with hundreds of graduates since the program began (including some who have returned to volunteer and teach).