The Launch of the first Benin Maths Camp (2024)

In July 2024, at the Catholic School Complex in Comé, something new began. This was not just another school session, it was the inauguration of the Benin Maths Camp. Organized by Initiative in Mathematics and Computing (IMAC) with support from SAMI, this event brought together students from across secondary education (from 4ème to Terminale) to demonstrate that maths can be for everyone.

In Benin, as in many places, maths is often seen as a wall that stops students. The primary goal of this first camp was to change students’ perception.

The camp moved away from the blackboard and into the world of logic and play. Using sports and pedagogical games, the instructors—led by Drs. Bourgeois Gadjagboui and Ulrich Gaba—showed that maths is accessible and fun.

The activities were chosen to spark curiosity immediately:

• The Handshake Problem : A simple way to introduce complex counting and network logic.
• The Josephus Problem: A survival puzzle that teaches students how to find patterns in different situations.
• Vigenère Cipher: Students become codebreakers, learning the secrets of cryptography for the first time.
• Math Relays: Combining physical speed with mental quickness to break the stiff image of traditional math classes.

One of the most important pleasing parts of this first camp was the reaction of the students. They didn't just learn formulas, they learned to engage collaboratively with mathematics. The impact moved beyond this as this camp served as a training ground for instructors like Akpabla Komlan Thierry and Kohoun Jean-Claude who learned how to facilitate rather than just lecture. This is a key part of maths camp principles—everyone learns—not just students but also educators who can lead their own transformation.

The success of this first edition was a result of strong collaboration, with essential support from the Benin Ministry of Secondary, Technical, and Vocational Education and SAMI providing the financial and logistical backbone, together with the energy came from the local organizers and the determination of the Beninese team.

What’s Next?

This was just year one. The goal for 2025 and beyond is to mobilise even more students and teachers. After proving that the model works in Comé; now it is time to let it grow. As the organizers noted: This camp has helped students see science not as a threat, but as a tool for their future.