About GESIS / EGSSI
An organization born from the conviction that every young person, every woman, every community deserves the means to flourish and contribute to a more just world.
Emerging Generation
for Solidarity
and Social Impact
GESIS — Génération Émergente pour la Solidarité et Impact Social, or in English Emerging Generation for Solidarity and Social Impact (EGSSI) — is a national and international non-governmental organization operating on a non-profit basis.
Formerly known as "Amical Sourou Denis AHISSOU" at its founding in 2020, GESIS formalized its collective commitment at its Constitutive General Assembly on 28 September 2025, in accordance with Law n° 2025-19 of 22 July 2025 on associations and foundations in the Republic of Benin.
A humanitarian NGO — apolitical and non-denominational — established for an unlimited duration. Its registered office is located in the Ouémé Department, commune of Adjarra, District II, Village of Drogbo, Maison AHISSOU, Republic of Benin.
Adjarra, Ouémé, Benin
From foundation to action
The key milestones that have shaped GESIS since its creation.
Foundation — Amical Sourou Denis AHISSOU
The organization was created by a group of committed young people from the Ouémé Department, under the name Amical Sourou Denis AHISSOU, driven by the conviction that youth is a powerful lever for development.
Joining Youth For Peace Benin
GESIS officially joined the national Youth For Peace Benin platform and integrated the Communication and Advocacy Commission.
International Day of Peace
Active participation of GESIS in the International Day of Peace, affirming its commitment to social cohesion and a culture of peace.
Constitutive General Assembly
Official adoption of the statutes and internal regulations, election of the Board of Directors, and official launch of GESIS under Law n° 2025-19. Signed by President AHISSOU Sourou Denis and Secretary General KOUCHAINON Pélagie.
Festisol Ouémé — Recognition Award
Active participation in the Ouémé Solidarity Festival 2025 with multiple activities including the "Education is the Future" programme. Reception of the recognition certificate on 3 December 2025.
Expanding Activities
Digital peace campaign during the January elections, electoral observation, Nature University with Ecoversities Afrika, activism webinar, International Women's Day celebration, volunteer recruitment and Ordinary General Assembly on 15 February.
Growing Strong
GESIS continues to grow with new projects, an expanding volunteer network and strengthened partnerships across Benin and Africa.
Mission, Vision & Goals
Mission
To promote community flourishing through youth empowerment, civic participation, social innovation, intergenerational solidarity and social and economic justice, by acting in the key areas of sustainable development.
Vision
To build a world where each emerging generation, united in solidarity and commitment, actively contributes to sustainable, inclusive and humane development.
Goals
To contribute to the lasting improvement of living conditions for populations, particularly youth, women and vulnerable groups, by promoting equitable social, economic, cultural and environmental development.
Our Central Objective
GESIS aims to contribute to the lasting flourishing of communities through the implementation of multisectoral, human-centred initiatives, notably through:
- Promoting sport as a vector of education and social inclusion
- Civic education and youth empowerment
- Environmental protection and climate action
- Health awareness and community health promotion
- Developing entrepreneurship and social innovation
- Defending the rights of children, women and vulnerable groups
- Promoting culture and artistic activities
- Strengthening social solidarity and community cohesion
- Promoting peace and social justice
Our Values
Five core values that shape each of our decisions and actions in the field.
Operational Principles
Concrete commitments that define how we work in the field.
Active participation of beneficiaries
Communities are not mere recipients — they are actors and co-creators of the projects that concern them.
Administrative and financial transparency
Every management decision is documented, verifiable and accessible. Our accounts are open to our partners and funders.
Ethics and accountability
Every action is carried out in strict compliance with humanitarian ethics and commitments made to our partners.
Gender approach and social inclusion
Gender equality and the inclusion of marginalized groups are non-negotiable criteria in every intervention.
Sustainability and empowerment
Our actions aim to sustainably empower communities — not to create dependency on external aid.
Our Team
Dedicated men and women who carry GESIS's mission every day in the field.
Governance & Organisation
GESIS has a rigorous and transparent governance structure, defined by its statutes and internal regulations.
General Assembly
Supreme decision-making bodyComposed of all members up to date with their commitments. Meets in ordinary session once a year (January). Defines major orientations, approves reports and can amend the statutes.
Board of Directors
Strategic and oversight bodyComposed of a President, Secretary General, Treasurer General and two advisors. 5-year renewable mandate. Defines strategies and oversees the Executive Directorate.
Audit Commission
Control and audit bodyComposed of two members. Verifies the regularity and accuracy of annual accounts, evaluates financial management procedures and issues independent recommendations.
Executive Directorate
Operational bodyManages daily operations and project implementation. Includes an Executive Director, Administrative Officer, Accountant, Programmes Officer, Communications Officer and Partnerships Officer.
Areas of Activity
GESIS works across 9 complementary areas for holistic community development.
Do you share our values?
Join GESIS as a volunteer, member or partner and contribute to our mission.