Yaya and Agahounga from Special Olympics Benin drove meaningful change in their communities by conducting awareness campaigns in schools and universities. Through outreach, education, and youth leadership, their project promoted greater understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities and strengthened efforts to create more inclusive communities.
About the Project
The Changing Mindsets project was launched when youth leaders Yaya and Agahounga recognized the powerful role young people can play in shaping the attitudes of their families and communities. They understood that education is a powerful tool for promoting acceptance, inclusion, and awareness. Inspired by Yaya's lifelong involvement with Special Olympics, the pair worked together to empower young people to become champions of inclusion in their own communities.
The Inspiration
Yaya and Agahounga were supported by Special Olympics Benin, whose encouragement and guidance motivated them throughout the project. They specifically credited the National Director and Family Program leadership with helping them navigate challenges and strengthen their efforts to promote inclusion among youth.
The Project
The Changing Mindsets project educated students in schools and universities about intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), encouraging them to become advocates for inclusion within their families and communities. Yaya and Agahounga visited schools, universities, and community spaces to lead interactive awareness sessions and engage students in meaningful discussions about inclusion. They also developed informational brochures to reinforce their message and extend its impact. Beyond these in-person activities, the youth leaders promoted the project through social media and local media outlets, sharing photos and videos to raise awareness and inspire broader community engagement.
Project Impact
Beyond reaching approximately 200 young people directly, the project laid the foundations for creating lasting social change. With expanded programming in 5 Unified Schools and the establishment of 3 new Unified Schools, 1 Unified Champion School, and 7 new Unified Sports Clubs, Yaya and Agahounga inspired students to become ambassadors of inclusion. The youth leaders reported that many students were highly engaged during the awareness sessions, asking thoughtful questions and expressing a commitment to changing how they view and treat individuals with IDD.
Project Leaders Reflection
Looking back on their project, Yaya and Agahounga were especially moved by the enthusiasm of students they met, who welcomed the team warmly and were inquisitive. Yaya also reflected on his own growth as a leader, sharing that his experience pushed him to become a better communicator and strengthened his confidence. Both Yaya and Agahounga view their project Changing Mindsets as the start of their very lifelong commitment to advocating for inclusion through Special Olympics.
