Anoumou Mawa Allyn's thesis reveals the mix of knowledge among the Guin-Mina of Togo

Anoumou Mawa Allyn, from the University of Strasbourg, demonstrated that the mix of knowledge among the Guin-Mina, a community of 542,600 inhabitants, enriches education by integrating cultural values and formal schooling. This thesis, supported by the LINCS laboratory, proposes a new approach to improve educational policies in Togo and West Africa.

Anoumou Mawa Allyn's research addresses the issue of the mix of knowledge among the Guin-Mina, who combine domestic education and formal schooling. This educational model, often perceived as opposing, reveals a rewarding complementarity. In a context where education is seen as a tool of knowledge-power, this thesis highlights the importance of these two systems for the community, which has a complex relationship with school.

The study revealed that the mix of knowledge improves the skills of the Guin-Mina, their perception of school being deeply rooted in their cultural identity. By integrating domestic education, children acquire varied skills that go beyond mere reading and writing. This approach allows for the valorization of traditional knowledge while meeting the demands of modern education.

The results of this research underscore the opportunity to integrate domestic education into educational policies, which could significantly improve academic outcomes. For policymakers, it is essential to develop partnerships with local communities to overcome institutional resistances and ensure effective implementation of these recommendations.

« « The mix of knowledge among the Guin-Mina not only enriches children's skills but also strengthens their cultural identity, which is essential in the current educational context. » »

« « This thesis highlights the importance of accessing knowledge that integrates traditional knowledge, a major issue for policymakers in education in West Africa. » »