COTONOU, Benin, – Since January 2011, 17-year-old Irene Godonou A. has been an apprentice at a sewing programme in Agblangandan, located a half-hour’s drive from Cotonou. When she gazes up from her sewing machine, she projects an image of pride and determination. But her hard work has been undermined by one unfortunate fact: She has been unable to attend secondary school because she lacks a birth certificate. She was forced to enrol instead in the sewing class, part of a vocational … [Read more...]