OLEKSANDRA LISOVA

New Beginnings: My First Days Volunteering in Togo

My first week of Humanitarian Aid Volunteering in Togo with Hälsa International has been full of warmth, kindness, and meaningful encounters. From the very beginning, the team welcomed me with open arms, and I’ve been slowly finding my place in the local community.

During the first days, we learned about the organization’s work, its goals, and values. The organization works to protect the rights of children, especially those living on the streets. Its mission is to help improve their health, social, and cultural living conditions through a human-centered, sustainable, and participatory approach. Throughout our volunteer program, we’ll be involved in different activities — from fieldwork and social support to community projects and cultural exchange. Our volunteer team consists of five people from Germany, France, Italy, Romania, and Ukraine. We’re all different, but together we’ve already become a strong and fun team — united by shared values and the desire to help.

We also discovered Togolese culture, traditions, and daily lifestyle, which helped me better understand the environment around me. One of the first things I noticed is how important greetings are here — it’s common to shake hands, look each other in the eyes, and share a warm smile. People are kind and respectful, and this creates a very warm atmosphere.

One of our first fieldwork experiences was in the streets and local markets of the Baguida district — a lively coastal area near Lomé with about 35 thousand residents. We also went to the busy area of Adétikopé market. Our task was to identify and register children in street situations to help them access support programs. It was an emotional experience — we made eye contact with kids, break the ice, and slowly built trust.

Volunteering Experience in Togo

Another day, we visited the garden near YMCA Togo (Young Men Christian Association), who work for peace and social justice. We didn’t just watch; we got involved — harvesting vegetables, watering the plants, and taking care of the soil. What I really liked is that children are also encouraged to participate in this work. It’s a great way to teach them responsibility, teamwork, and the value of their efforts. Later, the harvested vegetables are sold at the market, allowing them to earn a small income and support local initiatives. It gave me the feeling of being part of something meaningful, a small contribution to the development of the local community.

We also had an interactive day with children — we spent time together at the beach and on the basketball court. We organized small competitions, played games together, and destributed food. Their smiles, laughter, and energy filled the day with light and reminded me why I’m here.

This first week has given me so much — new knowledge, real teamwork, cultural discovery, and moments that touched my heart. I feel inspired, grateful, and excited for what lies ahead.

Every smile I saw this week reminded me that even small actions can make a big difference.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the team of Hälsa International, the local community, and all the amazing people I’ve met this week for their warmth, support, and trust. Thank you for making the beginning of this journey so special.

Learning and Giving Back: Week Two Reflections

The second week began with a planning meeting where we set clear goals and responsibilities for the upcoming days — from community visits to educational sessions.

We met young mothers involved in the Urban Vegetable Garden Project, many of them accompanied by their children. They were proud to take part in something that helps their community grow, and together we spent time planting and caring for the garden. We also met potential donors from Belgian and Luxembourg NGOs who showed great interest in supporting local initiatives. Later, we visited single mothers living in a beach community, and together we walked to the sea to enjoy a peaceful moment of connection before returning to see how they manage daily life with limited resources. Together, we held a session on sexual education and violence prevention.

We spent time with children at the beach — playing games, football, puzzles, and handball to promote teamwork, creativity, and joy. Another meaningful activity was helping distribute food on the basketball court and taking part in the Mobile School — an educational platform that brings learning and imagination directly to children living on the streets.

This week helped me see the real meaning of community work. I learned how powerful simple actions can be when they come from care and consistency. Every shared smile, every story, and every small success reminded me that change begins when we show up with heart.

Empowerment Through Action: Week Three Highlights

This week was active and inspiring, focused on learning and community engagement. Together with the women’s community, we held practical workshops that encouraged creativity and cooperation. The beadwork workshop became a central activity – women learned to make necklaces and bracelets, shared ideas, and supported each other throughout the process. It was both a skill-building and confidence-building experience.

We organized a food distribution at the beach, offering fresh bread and pastries to the community, which created a warm and friendly atmosphere. We also spent time with children at the beach, engaging them in simple creative and playful activities that brought joy and connection.

As a team, we worked in the community garden, maintaining plants and preparing new areas for cultivation. The week concluded with a joint session on sexual education and empowerment, held with a partner NGO for women living on the beach.

These activities strengthened community ties and demonstrated how hands-on collaboration can create lasting, positive change.

Reflections from My Final Week in Togo

This week began with conducting questionnaires among single young mothers living on the beach in Lomé. The goal was to understand their living conditions, needs, and challenges in order to improve support programs. Most of these women shared that they often feel unsafe due to frequent conflicts and tensions with others in the same situation. Many of them dream of opening a small sewing workshop, creating clothes, and earning their own income. Currently, most are either unemployed or carry heavy loads at the market, earning around 2,000 CFA per day. When asked whether they know any emergency contacts such as the police, associations, or trusted people, many responded no - highlighting how isolated they often feel. This experience made me realize how essential it is to create safe spaces and opportunities for women to rebuild their confidence and independence.

Later that week, we joined an evening outreach program where we identified and recorded homeless children living on the streets of Lomé. It was a touching experience that revealed the urgent need for protection, education, and care for vulnerable minors. It showed me that even small gestures of attention and kindness can bring a sense of hope and dignity to those who are often unseen. Despite these challenges, I personally found Lomé to be a safe and welcoming city — at least that’s how I felt throughout my stay.

On Wednesday, I led an art workshop for children. The theme was national identity, and I encouraged them to express themselves through drawing — to show their dreams, inspirations, and sense of belonging. Many painted flags, homes, and families, symbols of hope and stability. I also painted a woman symbolizing strength and independence. The red and yellow colors in my drawing represented courage, passion, and energy, as well as light, optimism, and resilience - qualities I see in the people of Togo. After the workshop, we all cooked rice with vegetables together, sharing food and laughter - a moment of connection that felt both simple and meaningful. That day reminded me that through art, people can communicate important messages, express emotions, and find healing beyond words.

Our final working day took place in a community garden, where we helped maintain the plants and learned more about local farming practices. Later, we joined a first aid workshop, which was extremely practical and empowering - teaching us how to react quickly and responsibly in case of emergencies.

In conclusion, this volunteering experience has been truly transformative. It taught me to look deeper into people’s daily realities, to listen with empathy, and to appreciate the strength that comes from community. The experience of speaking with single mothers and street children showed me how resilience can grow even in the most difficult circumstances, and how important it is to offer both understanding and opportunity. This week and my time in Togo overall gave me new perspectives, gratitude, and inspiration to continue supporting others wherever life takes me next.