Benin’s child protection services are gaining new operational capacity. On Friday, April 17, 2026, the School of Training for Judicial Professions (EFPJ) in Abomey-Calavi hosted the official graduation ceremony for supervised education trainees, concluding twelve months of intensive training. This event signifies a fresh impetus for juvenile justice.
After a year of dedicated effort, these officers are now prepared to enter their professional fields. This cohort of specialists in the protection of children and adolescents will bolster a crucial sector within Benin’s judicial system. The solemn ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Florentin Gbodou, Director of the Cabinet of the Minister of Justice, and Ms. Bernadette Houndekandji Codjovi, Director of the EFPJ.
Elite training blending theory and practice
During the event, the EFPJ Director highlighted curriculum advancements. The training program is now structured into two strategic phases:
- Six months of theoretical study to establish a strong foundation in legal and pedagogical principles.
- Six months of practical application for direct immersion into the realities of the profession.
“Your mission with minors in conflict with the law or in situations of moral danger is vital for strengthening our judicial protection framework,” Ms. Bernadette Houndekandji Codjovi emphasized to the graduates.
Responsibility and Humanism: the guiding principles
Representing the graduating class, Mr. Dalil Bankolé Idohou, expressed gratitude to the faculty and faculty members. He reaffirmed the cohort’s commitment to practicing their profession with a clear triad of values: responsibility, humanism, and professionalism.
For his part, the Minister of Justice’s representative, Mr. Florentin Gbodou, urged the new officers to uphold integrity by focusing on:
- Meticulous case management.
- Dedicated support for vulnerable children.
- Proactive prevention of juvenile delinquency.
Immediate deployment anticipated
The symbolic presentation of diplomas was a highlight of the ceremony. These newly qualified professionals will soon be assigned to the Minister of Justice for deployment across various supervised education facilities nationwide.
This graduation marks another stride in the modernization of Benin’s justice system, prioritizing education and social reintegration in the care of young individuals.