Presentation of CREC Center
Center for Research, Studies and Creativity (CREC)
By Father Charles Agbessi, SJ

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This center is called the Center for Research, Studies and Creativity (CREC).

What do we do in Benin? In short, we have a library we are trying to furnish. With the help of some schools in Canada and in the US, we have collected so far 2000 books in sciences; I name math, physics and chemistry, Life and earth sciences, psychology and anthropology. Why a library? We are located in an area where there are more than 18 high schools and the state university in rayon of 5 miles with no library. Around the library, we will love to provide computer training to girls and women of poor conditions. As a counselor, I'm striving to give training to trainers in order to survive. I'm so overwhelmed since I'm the only one trained counselor priest in Benin and Togo.

We are trying to train the clergy and the nuns in counseling people with HIV/AIDS. They are trusted but lack skills to address these issues. We are also trying to provide good spirituality through Ignatian spiritual exercises. Due to the high demand of Ignatian spirituality in native languages and in current life, we set a Ignatian group of 8 members (3 priests and 5 nuns). This group could guide 50 people during a retreat. We are expecting 4 retreats of this kind a year. So we can reach 200 illiterate men and women. The need also is highly felt in Ignatian spirituality with the local congregations less fortunate. By doing so, we will be empowering these pastoral agents of the Church in Benin and Togo.

Due to the small size of space available to provide library and counseling services, we are looking for funds to building the new library and counseling center. In order to provide a good training in foreign languages mostly English, German and Spanish, there is a crucial need of labs to train high school and University students.

Free tutoring to high school and University students. We are also planning to provide academic support to a hundred secondary and university students. This assistance is necessary because of the lack of qualified teachers. In a near future, we will enhance the teachers' skills. In the area of education on environment to school children and University students, 20 schools and colleges are expected to receive projections twice a year, followed by debates.

In conclusion, thank you for listening to us and taking into consideration our concerns which are the concern of the people in West Africa.

Father Charles Agbessi, Jesuit from Benin in French speaking West Africa. Trained at Loyola College in Maryland. I completed my studies in July 2005 and went back to Benin where I am now the superior of the community as well as the Director of the Center the Jesuits founded since 2006

Father Charles Agbessi, SJ
Jesuit Community, P.O BOX: 307 Godomey - BENIN
cagbessi@yahoo.fr / +(229) 95345406 / + (229) 97273855