Togo Debout

3 januari 2018 - Lomé, Togo

Village Assomé
We were lucky to have the chance to accompany the founder of a Belgium society for several times: Mrs Etienne. This volunteering society supports local development projects. The society collects the required material, financial and human resources to accomplish the projects. 

First we went to Assomé, a small village just outside of Lomé. They support a family by providing them a farm so that they can cultivate and trade and live from the earned money. We were able to speak to a family who was part of the project. They showed us around the farm and told us how helpful the project was for them and other families in the area. For example they were able to earn money by selling tree trunks and growing pineapples. They also had some animals on the farm. In addition, we visited a first aid center (Dispensaire Saint Etienne), which was also established by the Belgium organisation. It is mainly focussed on deliveries. Medicines were provided by organisations such as Caritas international. However, the first aid center is still in development to become bigger and bigger and to provide more care than first aid only.

The first aid center in TogoDispensaire Saint EtienneA cute little oneA visit to village AssoméFarm in Assomé

Wealthy orphan home in the village Wli
Moreover, we visited different orphan homes. One we visited was founded by a Belgium woman. The orphan home was called Joko Togo. Sylvia Roovers started the orphan home due to the distressing shortage in orphan homes. It started small with a little money from friends of the owner and in the end it has become a very big wealthy orphan home, among others thanks to the godparents in Belgium. The Belgium founder, considered as the ‘’mother’’, takes care of 24 children all by herself only with some help from others. It was so special to see how the woman loves all the children as if they are her own biological children. She takes care of them very well. We were allowed to spend some time with the children. They were all well raised children which was shown in their behaviour. We gave them presents and to thank us they sang a song for us (see video). We were very happy to be able to experience this.

The children of SylviaSpecial seats for the youngest children in Sylvia's homeShe is so happy with the visit of RachidatouAt Joko Kope orphan homeA little bit of bonding between Sara and her new friendPlaygroundKitchen number 2 outsideBirthday cards from the godparents in BelgiumInside the orphan homeKitchenOrphan homeWe were invited to eat some dinner with the children!Good-bye children!

Orphan homes in Lomé
In contrast to the wealthy orphan home of the Belgium women, we were also invited to visit some poorer orphan homes in Lomé. One of the orphan homes is focussed on street children in specific. Street children are brought in and offered a place to sleep, eat and play in a safe environment. The children also received some schooling. When we arrived at the orphan home there were a few volunteers working there and one of them was kind enough to show us around.

Another poorer orphan home in Lomé that we visited was Maison Bèthanie. The orphan home consisted of around 28 children varying from the age of 1 till 17. The children were very joyful and happy to see us. We met the two year old Bruno who loved to dance. He could even dance without music on (see video)! However, the orphanage had clearly a shortage of supplies. For example clean sheets, clothes for the children, new seats and toys. We tried to contribute by providing the orphan home with school supplies.

Maison BethanieLittle Bruno ready to dancePlaygroundCool little boyChildren of Maison BethanieThe children of Maison BèthanieBruno being a cool boy!Room in Maison Bethanie

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