TOGO

Project part of ‘Clean Water Initiative’

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries at the Don Bosco Post-Novitiate House in St. John Bosco Community in Akodessewa, Lomé, Togo, added a new water purification and filtration system thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding came from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.”

The project included the construction of a water tower and tank for water storage, ensuring a reliable supply of water. Salesians also installed a filtration and purification system for potable and safe drinking water. This fresh water supply has improved the living conditions of the more than 130 members of the Salesian community in Lomé.

The community includes Salesians and students from several countries who are there to live and learn. The project also improves the lives of those who visit the community, including trainers and future students.

A Salesian explained, “Togo faces significant challenges with access to safe water and sanitation, particularly in rural areas where water is polluted by waste and wastewater. Even in the city, the cost of water to the general public is very expensive. Even if you decide to drill a borehole, you have to go deep and install a filtration system in order to get safe drinking water since it’s closer to the sea.”

One of the students impacted by the donation is Ombisa Salian Fred Germelan, a third-year philosophy student at the Don Bosco Institute who lives in the St. John Bosco community in Akodessewa. Since arriving on Sept. 5, 2023, he and his peers faced a significant challenge with accessing potable water due to a road project that rendered piped water undrinkable.

For two years, the community relied on kitchen water as a temporary solution, which was inconvenient. Since the project has been completed, there are no major issues with water supply and everyone in the community is grateful for the new clean water access.

More than 80% of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to the World Bank. Children in the country suffer the most, with close to 50% of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday, and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions to help support their families.

To learn more about the Salesian Missions Clean Water Initiative, go to SalesianMissions.org/water.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Togo

World Bank – Togo

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TOGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Cinkassé, Togo, have a new vehicle to help them provide more outreach services to youth thanks to Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Salesians have 10 outstations that they need to travel to beyond the main parish, which requires reliable transportation. Prior to the donation, the Salesians had one old car that broke often. Most of the time, Salesians had to use a motorbike or public transport, which limited what they could provide.

A Salesian noted, “Through well-defined outreach programs for youth, especially the poorest among them, we provide education and support to help them acquire the life skills necessary for holistic development to become better people, good Christians and honest citizens. We appreciate the donors who have made travel to the outstations possible, so we can reach even more youth.”

The Salesian community in Cinkassé was established in 1991. It is located on the border with Burkina Faso. The conflict in Burkina Faso has brought a wave of migration of people to Cinkassé.

Salesians operate a junior school with 411 students, secondary school with the hostel for 235 students, agricultural training, a small health center, youth education programs and the Catholic parish. They also provide pastoral care for those displaced.

More than 80% of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to the World Bank. Children in the country suffer the most, with close to 50% of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions to help support their families.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Togo

World Bank – Togo

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TOGO

(MissionNewswire) A group of people from Taltha Kum-Togo worked to raise awareness among children in vulnerable situations about the dangers of child trafficking. A total of 55 children, including 55 boys and 10 girls, benefited from the training. The presentations focused on the causes, consequences, and practices of child and human trafficking, as well as ways of denouncing and deterring such practices.

A Salesian said, “The children who attended the presentation were touched from the bottom of their hearts and are determined to fight against child trafficking. Together, let’s say no to smuggling and trafficking in persons.”

Salesians across Togo are working with street children and other populations who are vulnerable to trafficking. One of the centers is the Don Bosco Immaculate Child Protection Center, which was created in Kara in 1985 to provide shelter and support for street children. Salesian missionaries help engage them in productive activities to deter them from delinquent situations. Salesians also facilitate social and family reintegration.

The center provides support for youth between the ages of 5-17 who come from towns and villages in Togo. The youth live on the streets or are in conflict with the law, victims of early marriages, or orphans. While at the center, they attend primary, middle and high school. The center also provides trade courses for older students, which include carpentry and automobile mechanics.

In Kara, many youth do not have access to education, and youth unemployment is very high. Most young people have unskilled jobs and precarious working conditions, which makes them even more vulnerable. Salesian education is sometimes the only education they are able to access to become productive members of their community.

At the center, youth can receive help with their homework or tutoring if they are struggling with a school subject. The center also provides educational talks every Friday evening. During these sessions, youth have the opportunity to learn social skills for better engaging with peers, adults and their community.

More than 80% of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most, with close to 50% of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions to help support their families.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Child Protection

Don Bosco Child Protection Newsletter Embrace January-March 2024, Page 25

Salesian Missions – Togo

UNICEF – Togo

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TOGO

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Immaculate Child Protection Center in Kara, Togo, organized training courses for vulnerable and at-risk youth to help them prepare for the future. The goal is to provide skills training in areas that will benefit them later in life. Training was offered in cooking, information technology, agroecology, and making artisanal crafts, soaps and chalk.

“Skills training for employment is important but so is teaching youth general life skills,” said a Salesian missionary at the center. “We want youth to find their bearings and learn about the world around them. We teach good manners and a whole host of other life skills to ensure youth are ready for life beyond the center.”

Don Bosco Immaculate Child Protection Center was created in 1985 to provide shelter and support for street children. Salesian missionaries help engage them in productive activities to deter them from delinquent situations. Salesians also facilitate social and family reintegration.

The center provides support for youth between the ages of 5-17 who come from towns and villages in Togo. The youth live on the streets or are in conflict with the law, victims of early marriages, or orphans. While at the center, they attend primary, middle and high school. The center also provides trade courses for older students, which include carpentry and automobile mechanics.

In Kara, many youth do not have access to education, and youth unemployment is very high. Most young people have unskilled jobs and precarious working conditions, which makes them even more vulnerable. Salesian education is sometimes the only education they are able to access to become productive members of their community.

At the center, youth can receive help with their homework or tutoring if they are struggling with a school subject. The center also provides educational talks every Friday evening. During these sessions, youth have the opportunity to learn social skills for better engaging with peers, adults and their community.

Youth also have a chance for recreational activities and socialization through oratory activities that take place twice a week. Youth play soccer and engage in dance therapy, do-it-yourself projects, theater, and board games. Other youth from the community also participate in these activities and connect with youth from the center. This helps with socialization and integration into the local neighborhood.

More than 80% of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most, with close to 50% of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions to help support their families.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of  Don Bosco AOS Province

Child Protection and Safeguarding Centers April – June 2023  – Page 21

Salesian Missions – Togo

UNICEF – Togo

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TOGO

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Immaculate Child Protection Center in Kara, Togo, was created in 1985 to provide shelter and support for street children. Salesian missionaries help engage them in productive activities to deter them from delinquent situations. Salesians also facilitate social and family reintegration.

The center provides support for youth between the ages of 5-17 who come from towns and villages in Togo. The youth live on the streets or are in conflict with the law, victims of early marriages, or orphans. While at the center, they attend primary, middle and high school. The center also provides trade courses for older students, which include carpentry and automobile mechanics among other subjects.

In Kara, many youth do not have access to education, and youth unemployment is very high. Most young people have unskilled jobs and precarious working conditions, which makes them even more vulnerable. Salesian education is sometimes the only education they are able to access to become productive members of their community.

At the center, youth can receive help with their homework or tutoring if they are struggling with a school subject. The center’s educators check their notebooks, see whether they copied their lessons correctly, and help them correct spelling mistakes and grammar. The center also provides educational talks every Friday evening. During these sessions, youth have the opportunity to learn social skills for better engaging with peers, adults and their community.

Youth also have a chance for recreational activities and socialization through oratory activities that take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Youth play soccer and engage in dance therapy, do-it-yourself projects, theater, and board games. Other youth from the community also participate in these activities and connect with youth from the center. This helps with socialization and integration into the local neighborhood.

“Salesian missionaries play a vital role in their communities helping to provide support and assistance to at-risk youth and those in need of an education,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The Don Bosco Center is helping youth have hope for a better future through education, soft skills training and recreation activities that give them a chance to connect with their peers. All of the activities work to help youth reintegrate back into society and live a good life.”

More than 80% of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most, with close to 50% of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions to help support their families.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Child Protection & Youth Empowerment Projects Newsletter Oct.-Dec. 2022

Don Bosco Child Protection & Youth Empowerment Projects Newsletter Oct.-Dec. 2022

Salesian Missions – Togo

UNICEF – Togo

The post TOGO: Vulnerable youth obtain education first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TOGO

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Immaculate Child Protection Center in Kara, Togo, was created in 1985 to provide shelter and support for street children. The aim was to help engage them in productive activities to deter them from delinquent situations. The goal was to also facilitate social and family reintegration. The street children, between the ages of 5-17, come from towns and villages in Togo.

In August, students took part in educational classes during the school break to help prepare them for the school year. Each morning, primary and high school students took courses at Don Bosco College and High School. These courses included math, written and spoken expression, civic and moral education, history, geography, English and French language, and philosophy.

Students also engaged in socio-educational activities in the afternoon. This included sports and activities that help youth express themselves artistically. With the collaboration of the educators and volunteers, youth acquired physical, moral and psychological skills through activities which promote their full development.

The center also hosted a digital and creative workshop focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to help students in these subjects and motivate them to learn.

This workshop was organized by youth from EDU Association of Togo, led by the Binary’Hub company. The theme was “Give young people a taste for initiative and creativity, openness to the world of work.” The workshop focused on three objectives, equipping youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to embrace professional careers through practical training, fostering creativity and divergent thinking alongside core disciplines, and providing knowledge that will facilitate a successful transition into the labor market. There were prizes and certificates at the end of the workshop.

In Kara, many youth do not have access to education, and youth unemployment is very high. Most young people have unskilled jobs and precarious working conditions, which makes them even more vulnerable. Salesian education is sometimes the only education they are able to access to become productive members of their community.

“Salesian missionaries play a vital role in their communities helping to provide support and assistance to at-risk youth and those in need of an education,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Activities like the Don Bosco Center is facilitating encourage youth to gain an education in order to find stable employment. They are then able to support themselves and give back to their families and communities.”

More than 80 percent of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most, with close to 50 percent of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions to help support their families.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Child Protection & Youth Empowerment Projects

Don Bosco Child Protection & Youth Empowerment Projects Newsletter July – Sept. 2022

Salesian Missions – Togo

UNICEF – Togo

The post TOGO: At-risk youth prepared for school year first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TOGO

(MissionNewswire) Mary Help of Christians Technical and Vocational Training Center in Lomé, Togo, has been providing skills training for poor youth in the region for more than 30 years. Recently, with the support of Bosco Global and the financial support from the Municipality of Malaga, Spain, Salesians were able to provide teaching training and equipment renovation at the center.

“This project is an opportunity to improve the work we do here at the center,” said Antoine Koudokpo, a workshop instructor at Mary Help of Christians Technical and Vocational Training Center. “This opportunity is not only in the interest of the students but also of the teachers, because it facilitates teaching and improves the performance of the students’ work because what we do not have the opportunity to teach in theory, we have the opportunity to do in practice.”

In the beginning of the project, equipment was purchased for electrical training to replace outdated equipment no longer in use in the labor market. Once the equipment was installed, teachers were trained on its use and how to teach students to use it properly. Other activities will be forthcoming in the project.

Since the center opened, thousands of youth have received training. Over the years, the center has gradually expanded and improved its educational offerings. Today, several fields of study are taught including electricity (with various levels of vocational qualifications), electrical installations, metal construction, carpentry and computer maintenance.

Being able to access specialized vocational training in Lomé makes the difference between having well-trained youth prepared for employment or having young apprentices left with insufficient training and exploited in the workplace. The goal is to not only to train Salesian students properly so they can obtain employment, but also to ensure that they understand proper working conditions and are paid a wage based on their skills.

More than 80 percent of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most with close to 50 percent of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions in order to help support their families.

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ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Togo – Salesian vocational training offers a promising future for young people in Lomé

Salesian Missions – Togo

UNICEF – Togo

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TOGO

(MissionNewswire) Bosco Global, a Spanish Salesian organization, with the support of the Municipality of Malaga, operates the Foyer Jean XXIII Education and Formation Center in Kara, Togo. This center provides education and support to 183 youth at risk of social exclusion.

The work of Salesian missionaries and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Togo dates back almost half a century ago. They are committed to educating youth who are living in poverty and are marginalized in the community, and Salesian priests and nuns have trained thousands of youth.

The center ensures youth gain an education and find and retain employment. Most of the youth in the program have dropped out of school, but they are now taking courses and workshops in cooking/pastry making and cutting and sewing. Once they complete the courses, youth receive a diploma recognized by the state that facilitates entry into the job market.

The center adapts its courses to the needs of students and the local economy, ensuring that youth have access to the internships and apprenticeships they need to apply the skills they learned in the classroom.

In Kara, many youth do not have access to education, and youth unemployment is very high. Most young people have unskilled jobs and precarious working conditions, which makes them even more vulnerable. Salesian education is sometimes the only education they are able to access to become productive members of their community.

“Salesian missionaries play a vital role in their communities helping to provide support and assistance to at-risk youth and those in need of an education,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Youth should be encouraged to gain an education in order to find stable employment. They are then able to support themselves and give back to their families and communities.”

More than 80 percent of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most, with close to 50 percent of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions to help support their families.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Togo – To form young people so they obtain decent jobs

Bosco Global

Salesian Missions – Togo

UNICEF – Togo

The post TOGO: 183 at-risk youth gain job skills first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TOGO

(MissionNewswire) A new juvenile justice center for children opened at the Salesian Immaculate Shelter in Kara, Togo, in October 2019. The center is the result of the collaboration between UNICEF, the Togolese state, and the Salesian community of Kara. The aim is to provide support to minors in trouble with the law, and it supports new Togolese regulations on juvenile justice.

The center’s official inauguration took place on Oct. 8 in the presence of various administrative and religious authorities. After the presentation of various guests, the moderator of the day presented the program to 40 participants.

In his welcome speech, the prefect of the City of Kara, Colonel Balai, praised the inauguration of the new center and thanked the Salesian community and UNICEF for their continuing efforts to provide education and rehabilitation to children in conflict with the law. The rector of the Salesian community of Kara expressed his gratitude to UNICEF and to the Togolese state and promised that the community will offer the utmost care to this project.

As explained during the inauguration, the center will provide judicial protection to child victims, witnesses or alleged perpetrators of crimes, including through civil and administrative proceedings. Those responsible for juvenile justice have strengthened structures to ensure better implementation of the Code of Minors in accordance with international guidelines and standards on juvenile justice.

“Salesian missionaries play a vital role in their communities helping to provide support and assistance to at-risk youth and those in trouble with the law,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This new center goes a step further and allows Salesians to give direct support to minors while ensuring that their rights in the juvenile justice system are upheld in Togo.”

More than 80 percent of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most, with close to 50 percent of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions to help support their families.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Togo – Inauguration of Center for children’s access to Law and Justice at Salesian center in Kara

UNICEF – Togo

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TOGO

(MissionNewswire) Close to 500 people supported by the Maria Auxiliadora Parish in Gbényedzi, Lomé, Togo, have access to coronavirus prevention materials thanks to funding from Salesian Missions donors. The funding enables Salesians at the parish to purchase and distribute face masks, install hand-washing devices and purchase thermo-flash devices for taking temperatures. Salesians were also able to purchase, store and distribute food for those in need.

Many people, both older and young, were supported by the donor funding. One of the recipients was Lady Donyon, a widowed woman in her sixties. She lives in the district of Ablogamé in the home she had shared with her husband. To survive, she had been selling charcoal, but her late husband’s sons did not give her time to develop her business. Her only child who is with her has mental health struggles, which complicates the situation.

Donyon and her grandsons collect pure water sachets to sell. When the grandchildren come back from school, they go to the market to help shopkeepers. Donyon reported that the food kits provided are helping her because the coronavirus pandemic has slowed down everything and it’s difficult to earn enough money to feed herself and her grandchildren.

Donyon said, “This kit will allow me to feed myself and my little two grandsons and my child. This will also allow us not to go out all the time looking for sachets for the next few days. I sincerely thank the donors and all those who have thought of us.”

Salesians in Togo were also able to purchase, store and distribute food for those in need.

Salesian missionaries have been responding to the needs of poor youth and their families since the coronavirus pandemic started earlier this year. In Salesian communities, parishes, schools and institutions, missionaries are providing face masks, ensuring access to soap and clean water, providing food and hygiene kits, and changing how they provide educational lessons. Salesian missionaries are also focused on how people are dealing emotionally with the effects of quarantines and lockdowns. In many areas, they are finding ways to help support their community members with online activities, call-in support lines and psycho-social support.

More than 80 percent of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most with close to 50 percent of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions in order to help support their families.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Togo

UNICEF – Togo

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TOGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries continue to support children accused of witchcraft in the Kara region of Togo. In 2014, Salesians in the region released the report “Children accused of witchcraft in the Kara region” which aimed to educate the international community. The report analyzed the causes of innocent children being accused of witchcraft and its abusive and often deadly consequences.

Award-winning filmmaker Raúl de la Fuente used the report to create the short documentary film “Yo no soy bruja” (“I’m not a witch”), which was sponsored by the Salesian Missions office in Madrid to shed light on the struggles of children in Togo.

The report and film are part of the “I’m not a witch” campaign, which was launched in 2014 by Salesian Missions Madrid to address the ongoing child abuse and violence faced by children in Togo and other areas of Africa and Asia as a result of poverty and tribal traditions. The campaign works with families, communities, governments and the international community to raise awareness while highlighting the root causes and conditions that lead to accusations of witchcraft and the resulting violations of children’s basic rights.

According to a recent The Union Journal article, the victims of witchcraft accusations are the most vulnerable in society including elderly, widows and orphaned children.

“Whatever is different,” said Raúl de la Fuente in the article. “When there are several deaths or illnesses in the same family, the culprit is usually looked for in the clan. If it is a boy who has no mother and lives with his stepmother, she will look at the one who is not her own son.”

“Yo no soy bruja” tells the story of several children accused of witchcraft and highlights the work of Salesian missionaries who care for them in many of their programs. One child’s story featured in the film is that of Georgette, a girl in Togo who was accused of witchcraft by her stepmother. Georgette’s hands were badly burned and later many fingers had to be amputated after her stepmother submerged them in boiling water, purportedly to determine if she was a witch.

Father José Luis De la Fuente, director of the Don Bosco Center in Kara, where many of these children seek refuge, said in the article, “Georgette was second in her class. She is very smart. In her family, she was the only one who progressed and that is why the stepmother condemned her as a witch. Those who get very good grades and outshine others, those who do not study, those who steal, and those who are a little more aggressive than the rest are all at risk.” He also noted that accusations of witchcraft are on the rise. In one Salesian shelter of 110 children, 40 percent were accused of performing witchcraft up from 20 percent in 2010.

At the Don Bosco Center in Kara, Fr. De la Fuente, along with other Salesian missionaries, counter the deeply rooted cultural beliefs that routinely demonize children and blame them for illnesses, deaths and other misfortunes that are more accurately the outcome of overwhelming poverty. The Don Bosco Center offers a loving home where youth can recover from their physical and emotional wounds. In addition, the Center provides opportunities to break the cycle of poverty through education and training.

More than 80 percent of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most, with close to 50 percent of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions to help support their families.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

Salesian Missions – Togo

TOGO: Salesian Film and Awareness Campaign Work to Address Violations of Children’s Basic Rights

The Union Journal – The curse of the witch children | Future Planet

UNICEF – Togo

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TOGO

(MissionNewswire) The Real Madrid Foundation’s international coaches recently traveled to the Don Bosco Akosséwa Youth Center, which facilitates the Salesian social-sports school for soccer and basketball in Lomé, Togo. They developed a course for educators focused on designing training tasks. During the course, Salesian staff members were taught both tactical and technical content and how to put these together during training for students. The training initiative aimed to deepen the understanding of teaching sport methodology.

The Salesian socio-sporting program in Togo provides comprehensive education. As part of the Real Madrid Foundation’s “They play, we educate” program already operating in Salesian schools across the globe, participants receive nutritional, family and psychological support, regular health checkups, the opportunity to participate in social and educational workshops, gymnastics, crafts and reading, and citizenship activities. Training sessions on topics such as health, hygiene, values, and the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse are also provided.

The socio-sports school in Lomé was founded in September 2015 and currently provides education for 610 children. All of the youth come from family backgrounds with low resources and a high degree of vulnerability. The school aims to give the participants the necessary tools to develop in society and improve their living conditions. Within the area of the school, nearly 50 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.

“Sports programs teach youth both on and off the field,” says Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Learning and playing team sports encourages leadership skills as well as teaches youth to work as part of a team. Students also learn important social skills and have opportunities for growth and maturity.”

The collaboration between the Salesians and the Real Madrid Foundation has been very successful, granting more than 2,000 youth and vulnerable children the opportunity to participate in similar programs around the globe. Currently, there are 17 socio-sports schools across 12 countries on three continents.

More than 80 percent of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most, with close to 50 percent of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions to help support their families.

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Sources:

Real Madrid Foundation – The Real Madrid Foundation promotes sports planning in Togo

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Togo

The post TOGO: Real Madrid Foundation provides training to Salesian staff at the Don Bosco Akosséwa Youth Center first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Included in the project was the construction of a well and water tank at the Mother Margherita House to improve water access and the fencing in of a horticultural area. In addition, the project provided funding to support the education of 30 girls as well as training for the education staff, including 12 interns, who help run the program.

Joseph Olipoh, an educator at the Mother Margherita House said, “The support and training for educators was very useful, as was learning about the psycho-social development of children and how to educate them according to their age.”

Another educator at the program, Akouvi, noted, “The children have many emotional needs. It is not enough to love. We must make them feel that they are loved because when they feel loved, they open their hearts to tell you everything that happened to them and what leads them to do inappropriate things.”

Salesian programs in Togo provide participants a place to live, nutritious meals and counseling along with education and job skills training. The goal is to help youth develop a sense of hope for their future and learn the skills necessary to lead independent, productive lives.

“Education has proven to be an effective means of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty while giving the most vulnerable youth a sense of personal dignity and self-worth,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Training that helps educators is critical to ensure that they have the skills needed to teach children who are most in need of an education. Teachers must not only learn how to teach a specific subject, they must also learn how to deal with children who are coming from very difficult and complex situations.”

Father Hyde added, “When children have a strong educational foundation, they can move on to vocational and technical training programs that help them become contributing adults in their communities. These schools go above and beyond educating. They also assist youth in making connections within industries while preparing them for the process of searching, finding and retaining employment.”

More than 80 percent of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most with close to 50 percent of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions in order to help support their families.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Togo – Lomé childcare project successfully completed

UNICEF – Togo

The post TOGO: Spanish Solidaridad Don Bosco completes project supporting the Salesian-run Mother Margherita House in Lomé first appeared on MissionNewswire.

There are 274 students enrolled at the institute who will benefit from the new construction. Forty of the students are women between the ages of 17 and 40 who are earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy, education sciences and communications. Most of the students are from Togo with some coming from other West African countries and central Africa. The construction project will also benefit the lecturers who teach at the school and the school’s administrators.

Akpah Fleur Chimènea is a student in the communications department at the Salesian Institute specializing in multimedia production. As a second year student, she appreciates the upgrades and additions to the classrooms that make studying easier. She is grateful for donors who have provided new furniture for the classrooms, school equipment for studios and WiFi for internet access.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the leaders of the Salesian Institute for all that they do for the benefit of students,” says Chimènea. “We hope that they will continue to assist us so that our school can be a reference point for many in the area who need an education. I would like also to express my gratitude to the donors who are helping to complete the construction of our institution.”

Salesian missionaries provide education in more than 5,500 Salesian schools and youth centers around the globe. In addition, there are more than 1,00 Salesian vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools.

“Education has proven to be an effective means of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty while giving the most vulnerable youth a sense of personal dignity and self-worth,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Vocational and technical training programs help students become contributing adults in their communities. These schools go above and beyond educating. They also assist youth in making connections within industries while preparing them for the process of searching, finding and retaining employment.”

More than 80 percent of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most with close to 50 percent of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions in order to help support their families.

Salesian programs in Togo provide participants a place to live, nutritious meals and counseling along with education and job skills training. The goal is to help youth develop a sense of hope for their future and learn the skills necessary to lead independent, productive lives.

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Sources:

UNICEF – Togo

The post TOGO: Funding provided by Salesian Missions aids continued construction at Salesian Institute of Philosophy and Human Sciences in Lomé first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Construction should be completed in the upcoming months. Meanwhile, Salesian missionaries are developing awareness raising sessions regarding the role of women in vocational training. These training sessions will be provided to the local population with the goal of integrating more female students into the vocational training courses. Currently, primarily male students are studying courses for electricians, electro-technicians, bricklayers and carpenters.

“Education has proven to be an effective means of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty while giving the most vulnerable youth a sense of personal dignity and self-worth,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Vocational and technical training programs help students become contributing adults in their communities. These schools go above and beyond educating. They also assist youth in making connections within industries while preparing them for the process of searching, finding and retaining employment.”

Salesian missionaries provide education in more than 5,500 Salesian schools and youth centers around the globe. In addition, more than 1,00 Salesian vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools give practical skills to youth to create productive and contributing adults in their communities—rebuilding communities and ending the cycle of poverty.

More than 80 percent of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most with close to 50 percent of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday, and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions in order to help support their families.

Salesian programs in Togo provide youth a place to live, nutritious meals and counseling along with education and job skills training. The goal is to help youth develop a sense of hope for their future and learn the skills necessary to lead independent, productive lives.

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Sources:

ANS – Togo – Completed renovation of Don Bosco Center of Kara

UNICEF – Togo

The post TOGO: Don Bosco Professional Center expands, providing more than 500 students vocational training first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The Salesian film, directed by Raúl de la Fuente, is a part of the “I’m not a witch” campaign launched in 2014 by Salesian Missions Madrid to address the ongoing child abuse and violence faced by children in Togo and other areas of Africa and Asia as a result of poverty and tribal traditions. The campaign works with families, communities, governments and the international community to raise awareness while highlighting the root causes and conditions that lead to accusations of witchcraft and the resulting violations of children’s basic rights.

“Yo no soy bruja” tells the story of several children accused of witchcraft and highlights the work of Salesian missionaries who care for them in many of their programs. One child’s story featured in the film is that of Georgette, a girl in Togo who was accused of witchcraft by her stepmother. Georgette’s hands were badly burned and scarred for life after her stepmother submerged them in boiling water, purportedly to determine if she was a witch. Today, Georgette lives at the Don Bosco Center in the city of Kara in northern Togo.

“The people who do this must not remain unpunished,” says Ana Muñoz, spokesperson for Salesian Missions Madrid. “Thousands of boys and girls like Georgette are maltreated and even killed in Africa through practices like this. Children that are a bit more lively or smarter than others or children with disabilities or illness are sometimes accused of witchcraft.”

At the Don Bosco Center in Kara, Togo, Father José Luis de la Fuente, along with other Salesian missionaries, counter the deeply rooted cultural beliefs that routinely demonize children and blame them for illnesses, deaths and other misfortunes that are more accurately the outcome of overwhelming poverty. The Don Bosco Center offers a loving home where youth can recover from their physical and emotional wounds. In addition, the Center provides opportunities to break the cycle of poverty though through education and training.

More than 80 percent of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to UNICEF. Children in the country suffer the most with close to 50 percent of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday, and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions in order to help support their families.

Salesian programs in Togo provide youth a place to live, nutritious meals and counseling along with education and job skills training. The goal is to help youth develop a sense of hope for their future and learn the skills necessary to lead independent, productive lives.

Sources:

ANS – Spain – The short film “Yo no soy bruja” finalist in the Espiello Awards

ANS – Spain – The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid launches the “Yo No Soy Bruja” campaign

Salesian Missions – Mission in Focus: Help Rescue Them from Blame

UNICEF – Togo

The post TOGO: Salesian Film and Awareness Campaign Work to Address Violations of Children’s Basic Rights first appeared on MissionNewswire.