CHRISTINA MIRON DRAGANESCU

Our first week in Togo offered a deep and eye-opening introduction to the local reality and the work of Hälsa. After a warm welcome and orientation, we spent the following days out in the field. We helped initiate a gardening project, identified street children in need of support, played football with kids in various locations, and assisted with food distribution. Along the way, I had the chance to try wonderful local dishes and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the community.

By the second week, we already had a clearer understanding of the organization’s work and began engaging with the local team on ways to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the activities. We aimed to inspire conversations about creating an even more meaningful impact in the lives of the target group. I gained new ideas for crafting sessions with the young mothers, and I’m especially excited about the gardening project—I truly hope I can become more involved.

We took part in the mobile school, interacting with street children in the park through educational topics and school-related activities. We also connected with young mothers living on the beach. This week felt very meaningful, and it reinforced our motivation to continue improving. We see great potential in making the activities even more efficient, incorporating more educational elements for the children, and ensuring that their needs remain at the heart of every initiative. Having a proper first aid kit would also be highly valuable, as minor injuries occur frequently.

Volunteering Experience in Togo

I hope the team can become increasingly open to exchanging ideas, as we believe that, with a bit more collaboration, the activities we support can grow from positive experiences into truly impactful ones.

Week 3

In the third week, I had the chance to bring an idea close to my heart to life. I organized a jewelry-making workshop with the street-connected women and mothers, held in the beautiful setting of the urban garden. Together, we created beaded bracelets, seashell necklaces, and most ambitiously, keychains made from scooby-doo bands. It was a meaningful and creative experience for everyone involved.

The following morning, I was scheduled to help with some carpentry work at one of the association’s headquarters, a space that is currently underused. When the carpenter arrived, he carried out a thorough assessment of what needs to be repaired, including windows, floors, and the ceiling. We were also meant to do a mural painting activity, though this unfortunately didn’t take place.

The rest of the week became quite full with various meetings alongside the association’s team. We also participated in a workshop on female anatomy and reproductive health delivered by another NGO, as Halsa had an established connection with the target group.

Week 4

In week 4, we took part in the “night maraude,” going into the field at night to connect with children living on the street. Although it was emotional, I felt that the registration process offered them a sense of hope for future support. Many of their dreams were centered on gaining skills—such as taking a course to become a hairdresser—so they could build a more stable future.

We also assisted the local team on the beach by conducting surveys with the women there. I genuinely hope these surveys will be used to create meaningful, positive changes in their lives, rather than remaining simply statistical data.

Later in the week, we participated in one final gardening activity with the local team. We ended the week with a warm goodbye ceremony, which brought a thoughtful close to our time together.