Togo Continued

The child Care Centre we visited, was a centre that cares for children whose parents work selling goods in the market place.  These children are usually left at the side of the crowded roads, neglected and left to defend for themselves. The Centre takes in these children giving them a structured and cared for space all day ensuring education, and what I found most remarkable was that the teachers and carers gave special attention to training the mothers in the importance of relationship and care. The mothers bring the child a meal during the day and sit with the child while they eat and are encouraged to have conversation with their child. I was there at pick up time in the evening.  The children looked healthy and bright eyed - all had happy faces. As each child was collected, the children sang or chanted a goodbye song to that child, naming the child, who then circled the group and waved to each of the teachers/carers, including us, the visitors.

All with delightful laughter.

We met the group of Palliative Carers at their centre, a self constructed NGO. The group consists of 15 members including two doctors, nurses and social workers.  The patients they cared for were mostly cancer patients with breast cancer being the highest , but organ failure e.g.. heart problems and other ailments were also  on the list. Aids not so often as there were other organisations helping with these conditions. There is no palliative care in the hospitals. These carers were mostly trained on the Mercy Ship and had been volunteers on the ship when it was in port. However, their greatest wish is to have further training in this field of work.  Janet was able to share valuable information with them with her experience which reflected much of the challenge they all face. A future collaboration between the two countries was established.

and then a farewell to Togo and our wonderful and generous hosts:

Sylvinyo working in Palliative care, who is also concerned with          She provided us with nourishing and beautifully prepared meals. Her sensitive care and selfless, humble attitude was most evident.

Hombe, who has trained in Law and now works for an organisation dealing with Human Rights for children and youth, from abuse to neglect and crime. Much of the work includes the prevention of trafficking where children are taken out of the country to work as cheap enslaved labour.  Hombe prepares and establishes programmes to support and teach children and help form proper relationships between adult and child.

The photos were not downloaded yet from my phone which was stolen last night, INCLUDING OVER 30 INTERVIEWS. Thought they were safest on the phone - SILLY ME!!!!!