Huguette Oke | Forus

Huguette Oke

Benin

Huguette Oke is a professional interpreter nearing the end of her training, passionate about promoting Beninese and African languages, youth education and digital inclusion. Since 2021, she has been actively involved in the NGO IamYourClounon, where she works to promote and enhance the value of national languages. She recently took her first steps at the head of this organisation as executive president.

 

Between October 2023 and June 2024, she completed a civic service programme at the Maison Pour Tous du Petit Charran in Valence as part of the PRODDIGE programme. This experience allowed her to develop her skills in facilitation, particularly with young people. Back in Benin, she continues her commitment through several initiatives, including the launch of the dictionary of Beninese languages with IamYourClounon. Winner of the Déclic Jeunes grant from the Fondation de France, she initiated the Vacances Utiles – Initiation au numérique en milieu rural (Useful Holidays – Introduction to Digital Technology in Rural Areas) project, supported by the NGO Éducation et Solidarité. Thanks to this project, the CEG Adjagbo secondary school was equipped with a computer room, and more than 300 students were trained between 14 July and 15 August 2025, with the support of a team of committed volunteers.

Indeed, young Africans, although very active online, are often absent from the spaces where digital policies are decided. I want to help change this by advocating for an inclusive Internet that respects rights and cultural diversity. As a recipient of the Fondation de France's Déclic Jeunes 2024 grant, I have coordinated and led, through my NGO Éducation et Solidarité, introductory digital workshops in rural areas, as well as online safety awareness sessions, incorporating elements of Benin's digital code. To date, these actions have enabled more than 300 young people to acquire essential skills for the responsible and safe use of digital tools. With IamYourClounon, I have participated in innovative cultural and educational projects, combining art, humour and digital technology to strengthen social cohesion and promote cultural diversity. These experiences have given me a local and global perspective on issues related to digital rights, equitable access and Internet governance.

 

Through this programme, I hope to strengthen my multimedia storytelling skills, deepen my understanding of global Internet governance mechanisms and co-create a youth digital rights manifesto that brings an inclusive and intercultural vision. I also wish to contribute to the production of impactful content that highlights the initiatives and innovations of young people from historically marginalised communities. My fluency in French, English and several African languages, combined with my commitment to social and digital justice, will enable me to bring a unique perspective rooted in the reality of communities.

CADE Youth Voices visuals and quotes (16) | Forus

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