Though unfamiliar to Americans and home to a painful past, the West African nation of Benin quickly is becoming the center of hope in the region.

About this Report

In late October 2006, six Y-Press journalists and three chaperones visited Benin to examine the life of youth in the relatively new democracy and the challenges they face.

Photos:Danese Kenon;Videos:Danese Kenon; Graphic: Matt Dial/The Star