In 2012 freelance journalist Mariken Stolk and photographer Johannes Odé visited The Hunger Project's Zakpota epicentre in Benin. Five years later they went back and revisited the same people. This is Louise’s story.
![Louise from The Hunger Project Zakpota Epicentre, Benin Louise from The Hunger Project Zakpota Epicentre, Benin](https://dlz2hpu0l8fq9.cloudfront.net/6jq3ss4ligm.jpg)
Photo credit: Johannes Ode
Finding her voice.
![Louise and Gisele from The Hunger Project Zakpota Epicentre, Benin Louise and Gisele from The Hunger Project Zakpota Epicentre, Benin](https://dlz2hpu0l8fq9.cloudfront.net/fdr9croc3lkwsk4.jpg)
Gaining economic independance.
![Louise and her store from The Hunger Project Zakpota Epicentre, Benin Louise and her store from The Hunger Project Zakpota Epicentre, Benin](https://dlz2hpu0l8fq9.cloudfront.net/b1g15fgcxx4w4.jpg)
Promoting health initiatives.
![Louise from The Hunger Project Zakpota Epicentre, Benin teaching Louise from The Hunger Project Zakpota Epicentre, Benin teaching](https://dlz2hpu0l8fq9.cloudfront.net/18fzztzoce.jpg)
What's next?
I find it extremely important that people become self-reliant, so that they become economically independent and can solve their own problems.
Louise Lagni, Zakpota epicentre, Benin
When people are empowered to realise their potential and provided with the skills and knowledge to transform their own lives and that of their community, the change is sustainable. Empower people. End hunger. Will you join us?