VOLUNTEER IN TOGO

Go MAD in Togo this year! Experience the culture, language and food of a hidden gem of a West African country whilst really Making A Difference! Only 30km wide, many by-pass this former French colony. But those that do miss out on the fascinating mix of Old French colonialisn and traditional African culture. In a country where women on the street sell typical African fair such as yam, cassava and plantain, they can also be found selling more cosmoplitan baguettes, croissants and pain au chocolate. Voodoo finds its roots in the region with washing powder and clothes vying for position with traditional fetish medicines, remedies and offerings for sale in local markets. Many of the towns and cities have architecture reminiscent of Paris or Nice side streets, yet paths covered in terracotta red dust and the tropical climate remind you that you are in Africa.

So why volunteer with Madventurer in Togo?

If you want to really Make A Difference and experience an African country where very few get to visit Togo is the place for you. Communties that significantly lack resources and education welcome volunteers to learn more about their culture and traditions, working in partnership we can make an impact on their lives as well as them on ours.

Community Building and Teaching Projects in Togo

Our MAD Community Building and Teaching Projects are based in the lush Kpalime area in the West of Togo. The country has had somewhat of a turbulent political history and many villages severely lack infrastructure and educational facilities. Very few volunteers actually go to this forgotten country and therefore any support is greatly welcomed. At least 32% of the country live below the poverty line and the government provides no help for communities such as the ones we work in. The region we work in suffers from vast rainfall during the rainy season; this endangers the health, homes and crops of the villagers. Previous projects have included water drainage and catchment systems. The build you will take part in depends of the number of volunteers and what the village chief and the villagers require. Working towards providing something sustainable and long lasting benefiting as many people as possible is our goal.

Togo is a French speaking country so those of you wanting to practice your French you’re in the perfect place! As well as this they speak the local dialect of Ewe that they speak in Ghana. You will have the opportunity to help out in the French classes if you like and English is very important for the children’s future, with very few English teachers in the villages your presence will be of great benefit. The kids will be very keen to get to know you and learn everything you can offer, planning lessons and setting the children goals during your time in the village is very rewarding for both you and the children.

You will get the opportunity to meet the village chief and witness a traditional Togolese welcome and leaving ceremony, something you will not forget in a hurry! You will make many new friends in the village and get to explore the local area. Getting involved in a volunteering project in Togo is an unforgettable experience for anyone wanting to work in a developing country and really make a difference in communities where your help is in great demand.

Togo Project Information

Age: Min of 17 years and most volunteers are GAP year students and career breakers

Food: Breakfast usually consists of Bread with Jam, Fruit and hot drinks. Lunch and Dinner are both big meals to keep the energy levels up; these can be anything from soups and stews, fufu, akple and banku, kenken, gorri with beans and rice. You will get many opportunities to try local delicacies but in general you will be provided with food that we hope you will enjoy!

Accommodation: You will be sharing a village house with your crew leader and the rest of the volunteers. Usually its boys in one room, girls in the other. The house will be basic but comfortable. It may not have a shower and you will have to get used to a traditional African bucket shower (surprisingly nice after a hard days work!) as well as a long drop toilet in some cases. It’s all part of the fun!

Weekend Travel: Amazing waterfalls and lush mountain forests full of butterflies,  Lome the capital; considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in west Africa, ruined castles, cocoa and coffee plantations and not to mention the beautiful windswept beaches of the south, although fairly isolated are back-packer friendly and its possible to have bonfires under the stars. Weekend breaks to Ghana and going to Benin are not to be missed!

Weather: Togo has a humid, tropical climate.

Activities: Get involved in a build from anything such as a toilet block for the village school, a classroom or renovation and maintenance work. Do some teaching in the village school, whether it be French or English, arts and crafts, sports or fun games. Why not organize a village sports day?! Make many new friends for life, explore the local area and enjoy simply village life!

Language: The villagers will mainly speak their local dialect of Ewe as well as French. French is the national language yet the country has about 44 different African dialects! Do not worry if you dont speak French your overseas crew leader will be fluent and on hand to help you at all times!

Location: All our projects in Togo are based in the West of the country very close to the Ghanaian border in the lush Kpalime region.

Contact

If you have any questions on our Togo Community projects please just get in touch by calling 0845 121 1996, 0191 232 0625 or dropping us an email to team@madventurer.com .... we look forward to hearing from you!