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Togo is a small strip of land in West Africa wedged between Ghana and the Republic of Benin. It has a population of about 6 million people speaking Ewe, Mina, Guin, and many more dialects. French is the official language spoken in most offices with a few people who can also communicate in English. 80% of the population are hard working, subsistence farmers. The incidence of HIV/AIDS amongst the population is very high.
The public school system is not only under funded but also badly run and so many parents do not send their children to school. Many villages do not have any schools at all, so young children often have to walk between 5-10 kilometres, to attend the closest schools.
World In Need’s partner in Togo is VINODI (Vie Nouvelle Et Development Integral). Formed in 2000, it is now licensed by the government to operate legally as a Non Governmental Organization (NGO).
Education
VINODI established its own private elementary school in 1999, with 59 children. This has now increased to 250. The secondary school started with 90 students in 2005, and this has now risen to 150.
Health
VINODI is helping people gain access to healthcare. It provides money to pay hospital bills for those who are too poor to do so and who apply for its assistance. The group networks with other NGOs working in the medical field in order to give free anti retroviral drugs to HIV patients and provide money for other drugs which would not otherwise be available.
Psychosocial Support
VINODI is providing psychosocial support for AIDS orphans and street children. The children’s club, run by the group, caters for about 30 children, providing them with meals 3 times a week.Savings and Micro loansTo improve the living standards for poor families, VINODI offers small loans with low rates of interest, to groups of women to trade or to farm. They are encouraged to save from their earnings. |