Who we are
An association bornof a simple gesture
1001 SADAQA is a humanitarian and social association based in Cotonou, Benin, working for vulnerable people. The association turns acts of generosity into concrete action to help those who need it most.
Our story
1001 SADAQA is a non-governmental organisation founded in Cotonou in 2026, following several solidarity initiatives run since 2024. It was born of a realisation in the field: one-off acts of solidarity, however precious, are not enough to change lives for good. Handing out a meal or providing care relieves immediate distress, but it does not answer what people most deeply want - to regain their dignity, to get an education, to build economic independence. That is why we designed an integrated model that supports each person along a structured path: from emergency aid to empowerment, and on to a lasting way out of hardship.
What our name means
The word sadaqa carries an idea of voluntary giving, of generosity, of action carried out for the benefit of others. Our organisation draws on that inspiration while giving it a resolutely universal reach: it is open to all and acts for all, without distinction of origin, culture or social condition. The number 1001 expresses the many ways there are to act - offering a meal, giving time, sharing a skill, supporting a child, easing access to care, helping a woman towards independence, providing access to water, mobilising a company, or simply reaching out a hand.
Sadaqa → Solidarity → Impact
Our mission
The primary goal of 1001 SADAQA is to bring about lasting improvement in the living conditions of vulnerable people, through social and humanitarian programmes with real impact.
Our vision
To build a world where solidarity becomes a true engine of social change, dignity and self-reliance.
Our values
What guideseverything we do
Five values, and one philosophy of action that sums them up.
Human dignity
Every beneficiary is supported with respect, attention and care.
Universality
Our work is open to all, without distinction of origin, culture or social condition.
Transparency
We manage resources rigorously and keep our interventions traceable.
Equity
We give priority attention to the most vulnerable people.
Social innovation
We develop solutions suited to local realities and aimed at lasting impact.
Philosophy of action
« From assistance to self-reliance »
Our approach rests on one conviction: aid must not only meet immediate needs, it must create the conditions for lasting independence. Our model follows a step-by-step path - protect, feed, care, empower.
Governance
A structured organisation,transparent and accountable
The governance of 1001 SADAQA rests on a clear structure ensuring effective decision-making, transparent management of resources and rigorous delivery of programmes. It relies on four complementary levels.
01
General assembly
The organisation's sovereign body: it sets strategic direction, approves activity and financial reports, and elects the members of the board.
02
Board of directors
The strategic steering body: it oversees management, approves programmes and budgets, and ensures the mission and values are upheld.
03
Executive office
Responsible for operational delivery: a president, a vice-president, a general secretary and a treasurer. It coordinates activities, handles day-to-day management and follows up partnerships.
04
Technical committees
Specialist committees safeguard the quality of our work: community health, nutrition and food security, social protection, education and empowerment, emergency response.
Transparency and accountability
Traceability
Every gift, financial or in kind, is recorded and used solely for the organisation's purposes.
Oversight
Management is monitored by the board and verified by external audits.
Reporting
Annual reports detail activities, results and the use of funds, and are shared with funders and partners.
Team & governance
The bodies of the association and the people who carry it day to day.
ASSANI Madinath
Présidente
ASSANI Madinath
Présidente
ASSANI Nassifath
Vice-présidente
ASSANI Nassifath
Vice-présidente
EL-BAKKALI Imane
Secrétaire générale
EL-BAKKALI Imane
Secrétaire générale
ASSANI Djamilath
Trésorière
ASSANI Djamilath
Trésorière
Strategic vision 2026 - 2030
The coursefor the next five years
Through its 2026 - 2030 strategic vision, 1001 SADAQA aims to build a form of solidarity that does not stop at meeting today's needs, but gives communities the means to build their own future.
Our three priorities
Extend and structure the programmes
Grow the food bank, extend the water, hygiene and sanitation programmes, and give structure to social protection.
Consolidate a professional organisation
Strengthen governance, ensure accountability through digital monitoring tools, and diversify funding.
Develop lasting empowerment
Roll out the economic empowerment programmes, strengthen impact measurement, and promote an African model of lasting solidarity.
Roadmap
2026
Structure
Consolidate internal organisation, formalise the programmes, launch the priority pilot projects, strengthen monitoring tools and bring in the first structuring partners.
2027 - 2028
Deploy
Extend operations to several areas of Benin, grow the food bank, strengthen the social, food, health and WASH programmes, roll out the Empowerment programme.
2029 - 2030
Transform
Consolidate the programmes that have proved their worth, document and evaluate impact, develop a replicable model and prepare for expansion across West Africa.
Key figures
1001 SADAQAin numbers
8
structuring programmes
7
projects run
1 200+
people helped
4
municipalities covered
They work with us
World Social Forum · Cotonou 2026
From 4 to 8 August 2026,we will be there
The World Social Forum brings together civil society organisations, social movements, associations and networks committed to building alternatives to inequality and social exclusion.
What we aim to achieve there
01Present our work in solidarity and social development.
02Share our field experience
03Strengthen our institutional capacity
04Develop partnerships with national and international organisations.
Join 1001 SADAQA
Become a member of the association, or commit your organisation alongside us.