Our
Story
In the heart of Parakou, a vision was born — a vision rooted in purpose, shaped by experience, and driven by an unshakable belief that education is the seed from which transformation grows. The Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE) stands today as a testament to what happens when passion for learning meets a calling to serve.
W
— Wisdom
Wisdom is the foundation upon which W.I.S.E. was built. True education is more than memorizing facts; it is the pursuit of understanding, discernment, and truth. Inspired by the teachings of Proverbs, wisdom is viewed as a treasure that must be sought at any cost. At WISE, wisdom is not confined to textbooks — it permeates the mind, heart, and soul, guiding pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to grow into thoughtful leaders of integrity.
I
— International
Though planted locally, W.I.S.E. carries a global vision. Its mission extends beyond borders, reflecting the founder’s life shaped across cultures in Cameroon, Nigeria, Mali, and Benin. The school seeks to build partnerships with institutions abroad and, in time, establish satellite schools throughout West Africa and beyond — nurturing globally minded citizens prepared for an interconnected world.
S
— School
W.I.S.E. is a formal institution of learning dedicated to academic excellence and strong foundations. It is designed to prepare children for higher education and for life itself, equipping them with intellectual tools, discipline, and curiosity. Every classroom, lesson, and activity is guided by the principles of quality education and structured development.
E
— Excellence
Excellence is not an aspiration at W.I.S.E.— it is the standard. The school refuses to nurture mediocrity. Instead, it creates a supportive environment where talents are discovered, nurtured, and brought forth like a midwife delivering promise into reality. Through intentional programs and mentorship, WISE helps pupils become their best selves so they can grow into capable, confident adults who positively shape society.
OUR MISSION
At Wisdom International School of Excellence, our mission is to empower the next generation through transformative education that cultivates character, competence, and confidence. In a world where excellence is increasingly demanded across every field, we are committed to providing a nurturing academic environment that equips youth with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive as ethical leaders and responsible global citizens.
We believe education is the most powerful tool for societal renewal. By intentionally developing the talents and potential within each child, W.I.S.E. serves as a catalyst for positive change — not only in individual lives, but in families, communities, and nations. Inspired by the words of T. Harv Eker, “If you want to change the fruit, you must first change the roots,” we dedicate ourselves to nurturing strong foundations so our students can grow into individuals who uplift and transform the world around them.
OUR VALUE
The values of Wisdom International School of Excellence are rooted in tradition, character, and cultural heritage. The W.I.S.E. founder’s moral foundation was shaped by African oral traditions such as parables, riddles, songs, proverbs, and storytelling. In these traditions, stories do more than entertain. They immerse listeners in vivid settings and invite them to see themselves reflected in the lessons, making storytelling a powerful tool for shaping minds, character, and generations.
Guided by the principles of Pulaaku, W.I.S.E. upholds a value system that emphasizes self-control, patience, hospitality, modesty, self-respect, prudence, foresight, hard work, honesty, and courage. These principles inform not only the character we seek to cultivate in our pupils but also the environment we strive to create within our school community.
At W.I.S.E., values are not simply taught. They are lived, modeled, and woven into daily learning so that every child grows not only in knowledge, but in wisdom and character.
OUR VISION
The vision of Wisdom International School of Excellence is to raise a generation of scholars who are not only academically accomplished but also deeply grounded, culturally aware, and purpose-driven. Through a thoughtfully structured curriculum that harmoniously blends rigorous education, cultural and customary values, linguistic immersion, and faith-centered principles, W.I.S.E. is committed to shaping well-rounded individuals prepared to lead lives of impact.
We envision our students growing into compassionate global leaders who are equipped with wisdom, excellence, and integrity and who will influence their communities and the world with knowledge, character, and purpose.
Philosophy
The vision of Wisdom International School of Excellence is to raise a generation of scholars who are not only academically accomplished but also deeply grounded, culturally aware, and purpose-driven. Through a thoughtfully structured curriculum that harmoniously blends rigorous education, cultural and customary values, linguistic immersion, and faith-centered principles, W.I.S.E. is committed to shaping well-rounded individuals prepared to lead lives of impact.
We envision our students growing into compassionate global leaders who are equipped with wisdom, excellence, and integrity and who will influence their communities and the world with knowledge, character, and purpose.
Our
Founders
Dama Rejoice
Founder
Rejoice is the Founder of the Wisdom International School of Excellence (W.I.S.E.) in the Benin Republic. Born in Tchatchu and raised across several West African countries, she grew up in a family of Pastor missionaries, which afforded her the opportunity to travel extensively to Mali, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, and throughout the Benin Republic.
These experiences allowed her to engage with diverse communities, learn multiple cultures, and develop a deep appreciation for the many ways people live and learn.
In 2016, Rejoice completed her tertiary education in Ghana, earning a degree in financial and business management.
Following her studies, she returned to the Benin Republic with a clear vision to develop a family-led initiative focused on expanding access to quality education. This vision became the foundation for establishing a Bilingual School in Northern Benin, now known as the Wisdom International School of Excellence.
Today, Rejoice works alongside a dedicated Board of Council and administrative team to advance the school’s Mission and impact future Generations through education.
Daniel Dama
Co-Founder
Dama is the co-founder and advisor of the private bilingual school, WISE (Wisdom International School of Excellence).
Originally from the Republic of Benin, West Africa, Dama is highly decorated with a plethora of academic credentials including two diplomas in Theology and Religious Education, a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Music, a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies , a Master’s (French) in Arts Management, and a PhD in Intercultural Studies with Emphasis on Ethnomusicology, Interfaith Relations, and Missiology.
Concurrently, Dama is a founding president of Africa Sings NGO, a project which aims at building peace through African arts and music via seminars, song crafting/hymnbook, workshops, events, and training.
Due to this rich background rooted in faith, academics, and the arts, Daniel Dama along with his wife, have been able to continuously pour into their four grown children and community for decades.
Kind regards,