On January 21, 2008, to commemorate and celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Embassy Cotonou organized an exchange of views at the American Cultural Center (ACC) on the theme: "Youth and Job Creation" in Benin with government leaders, businesspersons, academicians, young people from universities, technical and secondary schools, and some unemployed. The Ambassador noted Dr. King’s focus on equal opportunity for all and the struggle toward that goal in America, noting parallels with Benin as it works to eradicate poverty and promote economic growth. She said the objective of the seminar was to discuss skills, aptitudes, qualifications, discipline and excellence required of youth for good governance and preparation for the job market.
Toward that end, she invited the Government of Benin’s Minister of Planning and the Communications Specialist and President of the Implementing Committee of the Forum for Youth Employment in the Presidency to address the government’s strategic objectives; panelists with "success stories" (designer/stylist, electricians, public health specialist, foreign service) in the private and diplomatic sectors; and U.S. Mission members for presentations, including that of the USAID Director. Businesspersons discussed workplace issues and challenges and academic and technical skill preparation for employment. Youth speakers on a panel and in the audience expressed their hopes, views, constraints and welcomed the seminar as a very helpful way to network and find mentors.
At the end, a panel of experts linked training and education to best practices for job searches and job creation. Participants included the Director of a new National Fund for Youth Employment, the Rector of the University of Abomey-Calavi, the World Bank’s Resident Representative, and the Embassy Human Resources Assistant and ACC Education Advisor on qualification and requirements for study in the United States of America. After the seminar, the Ambassador invited participants to a networking luncheon where panelists and the young people could focus on networking and job preparation for nation building in Benin.
