Angélique Kidjo, a Grammy-winning musician from Benin, has long been a vocal advocate for girls’ education in Africa. Recognizing the transformative power of education, she co-founded the Batonga Foundation in 2006 to support adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Batonga Foundation focuses on reaching the most marginalized girls, providing them with the tools and resources needed to lead empowered lives. Through safe spaces, mentorship, and life skills training, the foundation equips girls to become agents of change in their communities.
Under Angélique’s leadership, Batonga has expanded its programs to countries like Senegal, offering leadership, entrepreneurship, and employability training to young women . The foundation’s data-driven approach ensures that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of each community.
Angélique’s passion for education stems from her own experiences growing up in Benin, where she was one of the few girls to receive an education. Her song “Batonga” became a rallying cry for girls’ empowerment and inspired the name of her foundation.
Her dedication to uplifting young women through education is a testament to the impact one individual can have.
Have you heard of the Batonga Foundation before? Share your thoughts on its mission.
