Volunteering Experience in Togo

Weekly Fieldwork Report – Lomé Activities (18–21 November 2025)

Tuesday – 18 November 2025

Field Visit: YMCI Agricultural Activities & Beach Community Engagement

On our first fieldwork day, we visited the YMCI vegetable garden, where several local crops

—such as okra and other regional vegetables—are cultivated. The visit provided insight into

the organization’s agricultural initiatives and the resources available for community support.

We then moved to the beach area near Lomé’s main market to meet the young women we

will accompany throughout the month. Many of them live directly on the beach with their

children, facing high vulnerability and limited access to basic services.

After lunch at a nearby local restaurant, we continued our activities at the safe space used for

children living on the beach. Ilman facilitated an awareness session on substance use,

followed by musical engagement activities using drums.

We returned to the office in the afternoon to conclude the day.

Wednesday – 19 November 2025

Data Collection in Baguida and Adetikope

Our team of five conducted structured interviews with street-connected children in the

districts of Baguida (south) and Adetikope (north). Using a detailed data-collection form, we

documented the stories of approximately 20 children from diverse backgrounds.

The aim was to reach out to families and facilitate school registration for those wishing to

enroll. Many expressed a desire to study or work but lacked the resources to do so. Most were under 15, preventing them from formal employment.

Some originated from neighboring countries such as Ghana, having arrived in Lomé in search of improved living conditions. The activity provided valuable insight into the educational needs and socioeconomic challenges faced by these children.

Thursday – 20 November 2025

Children’s Day at Radio Djena & Culinary Workshop with Mothers**Team 1: Radio Djena Children’s Day Activity (Christos & Andrea) To celebrate Children's Day, Team 1 accompanied ten children—wearing their green Hälsa shirts—to Radio Djena. The station manager explained how the radio works, its equipment, and the daily tasks of journalists. The children asked questions, explored the studios, and shared their dreams for the future.

After lunch, they recorded their voices for a radio program, an experience they truly enjoyed. A theater instructor then led a session with music, movement, and games to help the children relax and express themselves. The activity was highly meaningful, engaging, and educational.

Team 2: Culinary Workshop & Solidarity Session (Semsule, Bernadett & Muhammad)

Team 2 organized a morning culinary workshop focused on preparing common dishes to

serve hot meals to street-living mothers and their babies. The shared activity strengthened trust between the mothers, the organization, and the international volunteers. It also created

collective moments that contributed to closer bonds. Volunteers assisted the mothers with their babies, allowing them moments of relief and rest. Three young children were present: an infant of around 9–10 months and two bright, healthy 2-year-old twins.

In the afternoon, Ilman presented a short session on the concept of solidarity, highlighting the importance of mutual support and community protection. Although the mothers have a close relationship with Hälsa and enjoy participating in activities, their involvement often depends on obtaining permission from their partners, which limits their autonomy. The long-term impact of these interventions remains difficult to measure, though the trust and connection built today were clearly positive.

Friday – 21 November 2025 

Seminar on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence with Beach-Connected Women. We spent the day in the school space prepared for children living on the beach, where a seminar for women was held with the support of an expert team. The session focused on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The women arrived in small groups and were provided with breakfast. Many recognized us from previous visits, offering food or expressing affection. Their reactions demonstrated the strong sense of solidarity and trust built by the organization.Due to the sensitivity of the topic, we were reminded not to take photographs or share images of the women. Each participant received a T-shirt from the association. The psychologist led a discussion using videos and a question-and-answer format in the local language. While not all volunteers could understand the full content, it was evident that the focus was on awareness, mutual support, and encouraging women to seek help when facing difficulties. Interactive activities created a therapeutic atmosphere, helping the women feel more at ease. At the end of the session, HIV testing was offered. Unfortunately, two women tested positive. This activity highlighted both the vulnerability of the beneficiaries and the critical need for continued psychosocial and health support.

Weekly Fieldwork Report – Lomé Activities (24–28 November 2025)

Monday – 24 November 2025

Weekly Meeting & Project Training Session

We began the week with a coordination meeting at the office to review the work plan,

upcoming field activities, and priorities for the next week of project. The discussion allowed

the team to align expectations, share updates from the previous week, and clarify roles for the ongoing interventions with street-connected children and beach-living women.

After the meeting, we attended the second part of the training session led by Madame Sylvie.

The session focused on strengthening our understanding of the project’s methodology,

safeguarding principles, and practical approaches for engaging vulnerable beneficiaries. The training provided essential guidance for improving the quality of our fieldwork and ensuring consistent standards across activities.

Tuesday – 25 November 2025

Team 1: Agricultural Activity at YMCI (Christos, Semsule & Andrea. Team 1 visited the YMCI garden to participate in the “potager” activity. Four beneficiaries from the program joined us at the site. Together, we collected leaves from the vegetable plantation, which the women will later use to prepare sauces. We also helped clean and maintain the plantation area to improve the environment for future activities. After completing the work at the garden, the team returned to the office to continue regular project tasks.

Team 2: Emotional Awareness Session & Outdoor Activities (Muhammad & Bernadett)

Team 2 facilitated an emotional awareness session with street-connected children. The

children initially showed strong enthusiasm and engagement, though after some time, their

attention declined and they became increasingly restless. After observing the change in

energy, the team shifted the activity to an origami workshop. Using their hands to fold paper and create small shapes helped the children refocus and regain interest.

Following the activity, we took a lunch break, which gave everyone time to rest and recharge. In the afternoon, the group went to the beach for outdoor recreational activities. The children took part in football games, played musical instruments, and worked on puzzles. The openspace and variety of activities created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, rounding out a fulfilling day.

Wednesday – 26 November 2025

Mobile School Activity near Public School The mobile school was set up near a public school, offering a new environment for engagement. While waiting for the street-connected children to arrive, we began teaching nearby non–street-connected children aged approximately 4 to 6. Shortly afterward, the street-connected children joined the session.

Most of them were teenagers, so we focused on basic English vocabulary to help them

express themselves more effectively. The children actively participated in the games and

learning activities. As the session continued, additional students from the nearby public school approached the mobile school area and joined the activities out of curiosity. The interaction among different groups highlighted the capacity of the mobile school to bring together children from diverse backgrounds, making it a meaningful tool for integration and sensitization. More than 30 children gathered during the activity, which required substantial effort to distribute attention fairly across all participants. When beneficiary numbers are high, it becomes even more important to reinforce, monitor, and apply PGI principles. The volunteering team must remain particularly aware of risks related to crowd dynamics, child protection, and safe interaction practices.

Thursday – 27 November 2025

Warehouse Organisation & Inventory Management

On Thursday, the team remained at the office to focus on reorganizing the project’s warehouse. The space had accumulated materials from previous months, making a thorough clean-up necessary. We sorted the available clothing items into separate categories—women’s clothing, children’s clothing, and additional garments for other beneficiaries. This reorganization aims to improve accessibility and efficiency for future distributions. During the process, we also removed a large quantity of outdated or unusable items that were no longer relevant for the project’s needs. Clearing the space not only improved organization but also ensured that the stock now reflects accurate, usable resources for beneficiaries.

Friday – 28 November 2025

Follow-up Session on Sexual Violence with Beach-Connected Women The week concluded with a follow-up activity related to last week’s seminar on sexual and

gender-based violence. Women and their children were transported from the beach area to the office using Hälsa’s car to ensure their safe arrival. A second meeting was held with the psychologist, continuing the discussions initiated during the previous session. To support the women and enable them to fully engage in the session, our team took care of their children throughout the activity. This allowed the mothers to participate with greater focus and without interruption, creating a safer and more attentive environment for learning and reflection. The atmosphere resembled a regular weekly support meeting, and the women engaged openly with the material. The activity reaffirmed the project’s ongoing commitment to providing psychosocial assistance, awareness, and a protected space for women living in highly vulnerable conditions. Together with Hälsa, the team contributed meaningfully to the session, aligned with the objectives and expectations of the project.

Weekly Fieldwork Report – Lomé Activities (01–05 December 2025)

Monday – 01 December 2025

We started the week with a coordination meeting at the office to review the objectives, planned interventions, and operational needs for the coming days. This meeting helped the

team align on priorities, exchange updates from the previous week, and clarify roles for the field activities with street-connected children and women living on the beach. After the briefing, we continued the project training session, which helped reinforce our understanding of the program’s approach, responsibilities, and expectations.

Tuesday – 02 December 2025

We began the morning at the office before heading to Agoè-Zongo to follow up on a child who had been enrolled in school two years ago. Although he was absent from class due to

illness, we were able to visit the school and confirm his enrolment status. Afterwards, we met a family member who informed us that he had stayed home that day because he was unwell, but that he normally attends school regularly, although he often feels very tired. Later, we moved to the football field in Zongo, where around twenty children aged between 11 and 18 were gathered. After introducing ourselves, we distributed clothing that had previously been sorted by size, giving each child a T-shirt, a pair of shorts, and a cap.

Following the distribution, Mr. Fabrice led a short discussion on essential daily habits and basic life skills. He encouraged the children to make an effort to wash themselves every day,

even when spending long hours at the market. The conversation was well received and served as an important reminder of personal hygiene and self-care.

Wednesday – 03 December 2025

On Wednesday, we organised Christmas-themed craft activities with the street-connected children at the Djena building near the beach. Using colorful paper, rope, and other decorative materials, we created handmade Christmas trees and small paper keychains. During the activity, volunteers also prepared a simple lunch of spaghetti with tomato paste and sardines, which we shared with the children. The atmosphere was joyful and relaxed. The children remained engaged and enthusiastic throughout the decoration workshop, showing creativity and pride in their work. It was a warm and enjoyable moment that allowed everyone to celebrate the holiday season together in a positive and festive environment.

Thursday – 04 December 2025

On Thursday, the entire team spent the day working at the YMCA garden. The focus of the activity was on general maintenance: clearing debris, removing weeds, and watering the

plants to ensure the garden remains healthy and productive. All volunteers participated actively, dividing tasks efficiently and collaborating throughout the activity. The work required physical effort and coordination, but the group maintained a good pace and a positive spirit. By the end of the day, the garden looked noticeably cleaner and better organized. The activity not only contributed to the upkeep of the space but also strengthened teamwork and cooperation among the volunteers. It was a productive and rewarding experience, reflecting the shared commitment to supporting the project’s agricultural component.

Friday – 05 December 2025

On Friday, we joined the local team for a Mobile School session held in a public park near a nearby school. As classes finished, children approached the Mobile School with curiosity, eager to participate. Together with the team, we facilitated basic math and English exercises, adapting the activities to the different ages and skill levels of the children. The session created a lively and engaging learning environment, where the children felt comfortable asking questions and practising new skills. At the end of the activity, bread was distributed to all participants, which added a warm sense of care and community to the session. Although the Mobile School has become a routine part of the weekly program, spending time with the children remains meaningful. Each session is an opportunity to build trust, support their learning, and offer a consistent positive presence in their daily lives.

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