Sylviane Pilote’s commitment highlighted this year

When speaking of Sylviane Pilote, CECI’s partners in Benin spontaneously highlight her dynamism, her consistency, and her ability to inspire teams. A mobilizing energy that creates a climate of trust and stimulates collaboration.

Sylviane did not discover international cooperation by chance. Even before leaving, she was engaged remotely, convinced that every gesture matters, that every exchange can build a bridge. Then, one day, she chose to “take the leap,” to go to Benin to carry out an in‑person mandate. A decision that, according to the partners, transformed so many things.

In Benin, she was quickly recognized for her way of connecting: early in the morning, meetings often began with a laugh, an attentive look, a word of encouragement. Conversations stretched, ideas flowed, solutions took shape. Sylviane listens, asks questions, proposes—never imposing, always co‑creating. She likes to remind people that she does “small projects,” but those around her smile: nothing is ever really small when she takes it on.

Her mandate as a strategic planning, organizational management and social economy advisor took on an unexpected scope. She is currently collaborating with the West African Association for Cross-Border Trade in Food, Agro-Silvo-Pastoral and Fishery Products (AOCTAH) and with the women beekeepers’ cooperative “LA PAIX” in the commune of Kouandé, in Papatia. The partners speak best of it:

• better‑structured organizations,

• clarified strategic plans,

• strengthened teams,

• initiatives led by women gaining visibility and coherence.

The Centre for Research and Expertise for Local Development (CREDEL), with which Sylviane closely collaborated, summarizes her contribution as follows: “Her contribution profoundly strengthened our organization. She clarified our processes and gave new coherence to our work.”

Sylviane moves forward with conviction, but also with gentleness. She does not merely support processes; she gives them new momentum. She inspires, accompanies, and encourages those she meets to take their place, to believe in their ability to transform their environment.

And then, there is this love story, discreet but sincere, between her and Benin. She stayed longer than expected, extended by a partner who encouraged her to continue. She accepted, of course. She still had so much to share and so much to learn.

Sylviane entered international cooperation out of love, and she remained out of love. A love that, like her commitment, is passed on.

For all these reasons, and for so many more, CECI awards her the Rosario Demers Prize 2025.

This recognition celebrates not only her impact, but also the spirit of openness, solidarity, and collaboration that runs through her journey. Sylviane Pilote powerfully illustrates what volunteering can create when it is based on trust, reciprocity, and sincere commitment to communities and partner organizations.