Ouidah
We were struck by the sadness in these children's eyes. Even in the youngest there seemed to be a surprising emptiness. They are neophytes from a local Vodun covent. Covent life is reportedly both demanding and harsh.
An enlightening article about Voodoo in Africa and Benin in particular can be found at: http://www.africanholocaust.net/news_ah/vodoo.htm. Regarding the covent, the article states, in part: " The Hunkpamę (the convent) is a harsh school of renunciation and endurance. Within it, the elect are initiated to the cult of their "spouse", the Vodun to whom they are consecrated for their whole life. Initiation to the Vodun is a particularly important moment that deeply marks the life of the individual."