Djanglanmey: For over three decades, the Ancelles de la lumière du Christ (SLC Servants of the Light of Christ) have been a lifeline for visually impaired children and youth in Benin. Through the Siloé Centre, located in Djanglanmey, some 83 kilometers from the economic capital Cotonou, the Sisters provide education, professional training, and a nurturing environment that gives hope and independence to those born without sight.
Fifteen-year-old Maxime, a resident of the Centre, exemplifies the transformative impact of the Sisters’ work. Born blind in a small village in the Klouékanmè district, Maxime recalls arriving at the Centre at age five feeling despair and hopelessness. “Before I came to the Siloé Centre in 2015, I thought my life was over because of my blindness,” he said. Yet, with the care and guidance of Sr. Adelaide Tognizin, who heads the Centre, Maxime has flourished. In July 2025, he obtained his BEPC diploma (middle school) and gained skills in reading, writing French, and even basic computer literacy. “The Centre gave me a new opportunity at life,” Maxime said with joy.
Founded on January 3, 1983, by Mother Nadine Adjagba, alongside Bishop Robert Sastre and Sr. Maria Agbovon, the Siloé Centre has welcomed more than 300 visually impaired children and youth since its inception. When Bishop Sastre entrusted the Centre to the SLC Sisters in 1993, the goal was clear: to provide a safe, educational environment where visually impaired individuals could develop autonomy and practical skills.
Mother Nadine explained that the Centre offers two pathways: children who are still able to attend school are taught Braille, while older youths who cannot continue formal education learn a trade, ensuring they acquire skills for independent living. Among former residents are teachers, artisanal instructors, and even students pursuing higher education abroad, including in France.
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Many residents face anxiety about their future and struggle to find employment suited to their abilities. “My greatest challenge is to go far in my studies and find a job that corresponds to my disability and my competences,” said Jean, a current resident. Mother Adjagba emphasized that professional inclusion remains the main hurdle for visually impaired people in Benin.
The Sisters also face the emotional and logistical burdens of caring for children whose families remain distant or disengaged. Sr. Tognizin noted with sadness that many parents do not inquire about their children’s wellbeing, and some even hesitate to welcome them home during school vacations. The Centre must often stretch its limited resources to provide adequate nutrition, healthcare, and clothing for its residents.
Yet, amid these challenges, the Sisters find profound joy in witnessing the growth and empowerment of their students. “Our greatest consolation is to see these children flourish and envision a bright future,” Sr. Tognizin said. The Siloé Centre stands as a beacon of hope, showing how faith-driven initiatives can transform lives, nurture talent, and restore dignity to society’s most vulnerable.