Slavery in the 21st century (Benin - Africa)

Slavery in the 21st Century

First example:                                                              Benin

History

• Once apart of the Kingdom of Dahomey and colonized by France in the 1800s.


• Benin became completely separate from France in 1960.

A few facts

• Benin is considered one of the poorest countries in Africa. 


• The gruesome poverty is a driving force and unjustified cause for the slave trade in Benin.

Slave Raids

• Slaves are bought by Coffee and Cocoa plantations. (no need to mention that the products then end up in our stores, i.e. in form of Nestle bars)


• Slave owners deceive the children and lure them into slavery by promising them a lucrative future in Cote D’Ivoire, Gabon, and other African countries. 


• Most of these child slaves can be bought for as little as $15.  

Vidomegon

• A more recent trend of “vidomegon” has allowed children slaves to work as servants for wealthy  families in hopes of receiving a sound education. 


• However, because poverty is at such a high state, these wealthy families lead these children under false pretenses forever holding them captive in a life without freedom.

Quick Facts

• Young girls:  domestic slaves and prostitutes


• Young boys:  cocoa and coffee plantation workers


• 200,000 children are trafficked in Benin


• April 2001, a departing ship in Benin was carrying 250 slavees

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A really nice poem I found on the net & want to share with you!

The difference

One tree can start a forest 

One smile begins a friendship 

One handclasp lifts the soul

One star can guide a ship at sea

One vote can change a nation

One candle wipes out darkness

One step must start each journey

One word must start each prayer

One hope will raise our spirits

One voice can speak with wisdom

One heart can know what's true

One life can make a difference

You can make a difference!

~peace~

tags: slavery  benin  

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