Support My Benin Research Trip

Field Research + Student Tech & School Supplies Drive •March 18, 2026

Overview

My itinerary includes meetings with Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, K–12 schools, research facilities, museums, oral historians, spiritual sites, and local guides — all of which carry real costs. Without a travel grant or scholarship, I’m reaching out to my community for support. No amount is too small, and every gift helps make this research possible.

Mission

To complete my final dissertation field research in Benin while directly supporting student learning access through a device and school-supply drive—grounded in ethical scholarship, cultural respect, and community impact

Vision

A research trip that strengthens decolonial scholarship and builds lasting educational connection between Benin and the diaspora—where knowledge is honored, students are resourced, and cultural memory becomes a bridge

Values

• Respect & cultural humility (we learn with—not about—people)
• Integrity & accountability (transparent use of funds; clear updates)
• Direct impact (resources go to students—no middlemen)
• Educational access (tools that expand learning and opportunity)
• Ethical scholarship (consent, care, and rigor in research practices)
• Reciprocity (giving back as we gather knowledge)

Goals

Secure travel/research funding of $4k for the Benin fieldwork scheduled for March 18, 2026

• Complete meetings and research visits (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, schools, museums, oral historians, sites)
• Distribute donated phones/tablets/supplies directly to students
• Document outcomes (photos/receipts/updates) and publish dissertation findings
• Build durable partnerships for future education/cultural collaboration

Implementation

• Confirm itinerary & research access: Finalize meeting confirmations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, K–12 partners, museums/archives, oral historians, spiritual sites) and secure permissions, appointment times, and points of contact.
• Budget + funding plan: Build a line-item budget (transport, guides, access fees, lodging, interpretation, documentation) and run a weekly fundraising target until departure.
• Outreach campaign: Distribute the flyer through community partners, and social channels; post consistent updates with clear asks (trip funding, device donations, school supplies).
• Donation logistics: Track every donor in a spreadsheet, send thank-you notes within 24 hours, and confirm acknowledgements preference for gifts of $100+.
• Student resource distribution: Collect, test, and organize devices/supplies; coordinate local distribution with schools so items go directly to students (no middlemen).
• Field documentation: Conduct interviews and site visits using a structured protocol (notes, audio where permitted, consent, and documentation of sources).
• Evidence + reporting: Keep receipts and a research log; share a post-trip report to donors (outcomes, photos where appropriate, and impact summary).
• Dissertation completion: Integrate findings into Chapter 4–6 analysis, complete writing/revision cycle, and graduate July 2026.

Ways To Support

1) Help Fund This Research Trip:

• • Zelle: Adlore Casseus — empressaddi@gmail.com/ 305-927-2079
  • Cash App: $empressaddi

2) Donate a phone/tablet/laptop (unlocked preferred)

3) Buy school supplies for Benin students through the Amazon wishlist

4) Share + amplify

5) Post the flyer, forward to groups, and connect me to partners.

Thank You!