Volunteering Experience in Togo

Week 1. MY FIRST WEEK IN LOMÉ, TOGO

This was my first week volunteering in Lomé, Togo, in a project called “Ecole Alternative”.

On the first day, we went to the library at the Institut Français, and it was a really nice experience. For some of the children, it was their first time ever being in a library, which made it even more special to see their curiosity and interest.

During the week, we did different activities focused on literacy, using games to make learning more engaging and fun.

We also spent time teaching them how to use computers. For many of them, it was something completely new, so it was interesting to see how they were learning step by step.

In addition, we played sports and group games, which helped create a relaxed and positive environment.

Overall, it was a very positive first week. I’m still learning a lot, but I’m really happy to be here and to be part of this experience.

Week 2. WORKING WITH YOUNG GIRLS AND TEENAGE MOTHERS

During my second week in Lomé, I worked on a project focused on young girls and teenage mothers living near the beach.

Throughout the week, we organized awareness sessions, where we talked about different topics and created a space for discussion and support. It was a really valuable experience to listen to their stories and share ideas together.

On another day, we went to the neighborhood of Hanoukopé to reach out to more girls and invite them to join future activities. The goal was to include them in the project and add them to our database so they can benefit from the support offered.

This week was very different from the first one, but also very impactful. It helped me understand more about the challenges these girls face and the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces for them.

Week 3. WORKING IN THE GARDEN PROJECT

During my third week in Lomé, I took part in the garden project.

We spent the days planting beans and peppers, and watering everything that had already been planted. It was more physical work than the previous weeks, but I really enjoyed it.

The goal of this project is to grow food that will later be harvested and shared with children living on the streets.

This week felt different because I was working more with my hands, and I could clearly see the results of what we were doing. It made me feel that my work was directly contributing to the project.

Overall, it was a very satisfying experience, and I felt comfortable and motivated throughout the week.

Week 4. BACK TO ECOLE ALTERNATIVE

During my fourth week in Lomé, I returned to the “Ecole Alternative” project.

We continued working with the children through games and learning activities, especially focused on literacy. It felt good to be back and to see some familiar faces again.

This week, we also had a different experience, as we visited the Delegation of the European Union in Togo. Although it was not directly related to the project, it was very interesting for me on a personal level.

Overall, it was a balanced week, combining the daily work with the children and a new experience outside the project that helped me learn in a different way.

Week 5. BREAKING BARRIERS AND BUILDING BRIDGES

During my fifth week in Lomé, I returned to the project with young girls called “4B: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges”.

During the week, we visited different neighborhoods to talk with girls who were in street situations and invite them to take part in the activities.

We also organized workshops where we made bracelets together with the girls and their children. It was a very nice way to spend time together, talk, and build trust in a more relaxed environment.

This week was very meaningful, as it allowed me to connect more closely with them and better understand their daily reality.

Overall, it was a very human and enriching experience.

Week 6. ECOLE ALTERNATIVE AND AWARENESS VISIT

During my sixth week in Lomé, I returned to the “Ecole Alternative” project, this time working at the school located near the beach.

We continued with literacy activities and also introduced the children to basic technology, while still leaving time for games and interaction. It was nice to see how they kept engaging and learning in different ways.

That same week, we also joined a group of teenagers from the north of the city to visit a juvenile detention center. The purpose of the visit was to carry out an awareness session, which was a very impactful experience.

It was a week that combined education, social awareness, and reflection.

Week 7. PROJECT AND AWARENESS SESSION

During my seventh week in Lomé, I returned to the “4B: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges” project.

The most important and meaningful part of the week for me was helping to prepare an awareness session about the menstrual cycle and feminine hygiene for young girls and teenage mothers.

I designed a visual support that was used during the session, while my colleague delivered the talk in the local language. It was a very interesting experience to contribute in this way and to be part of such an important topic.

During the weekend, in my free time, I traveled with my colleagues to Benin. We visited different parts of the country, and it turned out to be a very interesting, enjoyable, and also cultural and educational experience.

Week 8. FINAL DAYS AND FAREWELL

During my final week in Lomé, we had some free time to continue discovering the culture and the country, and to say goodbye to all the amazing people we met during this experience.

We made the most of the last days by sharing meals, meeting people, and doing some final shopping.

We also went back to the organization to officially close the project and take part in an evaluation of our stay, reflecting on everything we experienced and learned.

One of the most emotional moments was going back to “Ecole Alternative” to say goodbye to the children. It was not easy to leave, after everything we had shared during these weeks.

Overall, this last week was about closing a very meaningful chapter, full of learning, connection, and unforgettable experiences.

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