About
Notre Dame du Mont Carmel
The history, mission and daily life of the Nikki Educational Center — Notre Dame du Mont Carmel.
Aurélien Favi
Aurélien Favi
Founder and President of FUNDEBE
“When I saw the children of Nikki walking kilometres to get to school, I knew we had to act. This is not just a school we have built — it is a future for an entire region.”
Aurélien Favi is a visionary Beninese priest who has devoted his life to educating the most vulnerable children of his country. From Madrid, he launched this project in 2008.
Why Benin?
Benin enjoys political stability and its constitution protects religious freedom.
Why Nikki?
In the country's northeast, Nikki relies mainly on agriculture.
Over 15 years of commitment
The seed of the project
First volunteer trip to Benin. Acquisition of a 12-hectare plot.
Creation of FUNDEBE
Official establishment of the Foundation for the Development of Benin (FUNDEBE) in Madrid.
First steps in Nikki
Registration of FUNDEBE in Benin. Start of construction of the first well.
Laying of the foundation stone
Official ceremony. Start of construction work.
Inauguration — 1st phase
Inauguration of the first building. First class with 70 students.
Continued growth
2nd school year with 155 students. Need to build a canteen.
“Our commitment to Nikki does not waver. From Madrid to Borgou, every donation, every volunteer, every prayer helps transform lives.”
María del Carmen Alfaro Bernal
Vice-President of FUNDEBE