Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Republic of Benin?

The Republic of Benin is in West Africa just above the Gulf of Guinea. It is bordered by the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the East and Togo on the West. The Republic of Niger and Burkina Faso border Benin on the North. The country is 417 miles long and 201 miles wide, slightly smaller than Pennsylvania. More than 6.7 million people live in Benin. The capital city of Porto Novo has a population of 200,000 and the largest city, Cotonou, has a population of 450,000. Both of these cities are located in the hot and humid tropical south of the country.

What is the language spoken in Benin?

The official language of Benin is French. A variety of tribal languages are spoken with more than 50% of the population speaking Fon.

What is the life expectancy for Benin's population?

Life expectancy for men is 51 years and 55 years for women.

What are the religions practiced in Benin?

50% of the Beninese are animists (indigenous religion), 30% are Christians and 20% are Muslim. Only 37.5% of the population are literate.

What is animism?

Animism is the tribal religion that forms the basis for voodoo in the Western Hemisphere. It consists of the worship of trees, rivers, and nature. Though it sounds benign, it in fact can inhibit the ability of its followers to seek proper health care and education. The reason why so many of the Beninese children do not seek care for Buruli Ulcer is because of the local animist witchdoctors use fear to prevent them and their families from doing so.

What is the average annual salary for workers in Benin?

The average annual per capita income is only $530.00 and Benin ranks 136th in world economies.

What is the focus of the Foundation in Benin?

Service for the Love of God was founded by citizens of the United States and the Republic of Benin to match gifts between the people of Benin and their American brothers and sisters. The Foundation's focus has been mostly in the Archdiocese of Cotonou because of Fr. Andre Quenum, a citizen of Benin, introduced the American staff to the needs of his country. Fr. Andre met the American members of the Foundation when he was completing his doctorate in communications at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. The needs are assessed annually through an onsite visit by members of the board. Projects have included providing grants for education and health care. The Foundation has worked with abandoned children, lepers, and a training program for teachers, nurses, and social workers. The present focus is on providing health care and education for victims of Buruli Ulcer.

What is Buruli Ulcer?

Buruli Ulcer is a type of flesh-eating disease caused by Mycobacterium Ulcerans. The organism is related to the family of bacteria that cause leprosy and tuberculosis (TB). It has been known since it was first described in Uganda in 1897. Most victims are women and children. It begins as swelling on the surface of the skin. A nodule filled with the bacteria develops under the swelling which produces a poison that disables the immune system and begins to destroy surrounding tissues. The flesh is eaten down to the bone if left untreated. In Benin, many children are treated by the village witchdoctors who forbid the parents from taking the child for treatment. The outcome will either be the loss of a limb or even death.

Does anyone on the Board of Service for the Love of God, Inc. (SFLG) receive a salary?

NO. All funds are used for grants. It does take money to run the Foundation, but, all the members have been committed to working for free and paying the costs of their own materials (paper, supplies, stamps, booklets, and pamphlets, etc.)

How can I help?

The Foundation needs people who want to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of the people of the Republic of Benin by sharing their gifts of loving service. We need generous volunteers to travel to Benin for a few weeks each year to work in hospitals and clinics or with abandoned children. We need volunteers who can make leper bandages and prayer shawls for the victims of leprosy, Buruli Ulcer and St. Raphael's maternity clinic. We need people who can donate funds to assist us in making grants and in supporting one of our projects. Anyone can help if you really want to. Just contact us for more ideas!

Do I need to speak a foreign language to volunteer in Benin?

Though being able to speak French is a definite plus; a translator is usually provided for at the facility. In order to volunteer in Benin, you must be in good health. Our residences in Benin may lack electricity, running water, hot water, and indoor plumbing. You must hold a valid passport and obtain the necessary vaccinations before you can obtain your visa to enter Benin. Each volunteer pays their own way to and from Benin (the cost is approximately $2,500.00). We encourage volunteers to seek sponsors to help them pay their transportation costs. If you are a health professional, you will need to bring a copy of your diploma, and, if applicable, a copy of your professional license. Living in the Republic of Benin is not like living in an American city and volunteers must be physically and mentally prepared for the work and the working conditions. The rewards of volunteering are well worth the initial sacrifice.