TOGO

Togo is another beautiful country with hospitable and generous people. We are received in a courteous and friendly manner.
A visit to "Avenir" took us into the country which was very beautiful, MUCH fruit - coconuts, mangoes, bananas, mandarins, pineapples, passion fruit and palm trees everywhere.
"Avenir" is a home for orphans where about 40 children are housed and cared for. The grounds were well cared for with beautiful gardens and buildings. After meeting the Director and staff, touring the grounds and buildings, we went out to the farm which grows organic vegetables for the centre as well as Cocoa, coffee and palm trees to support the centre.  Sponsors are found to give the children the necessary care and education and once the children are too old for the home-care, continue to support the child/youth until they have the necessary skills to be independent. At present they care for over 400 youth. There were a number of voluntary workers mostly from France.
Hombe, our host, works with children who have been abused, abandoned or in trouble and his strong impulse is Human Rights. He prepares programmes to meet the child and the Youth. He is another YALI member from the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Sylvia, with whom we are staying, takes care of people who are terminally ill, going from home to home. She also works on the Mercy Ship when it is in port in Lome. She spoke of the thousands of people who have been treated and helped on the Mercy Ship.
A colleague of Hombe, Jacques, spoke of the work he does to protect girls who are used for child marriage, trafficking and taken into religious institutions until of age for marriage but receive no education.
We visited a group of people who uphold Human Rights in law, politics as well as humanity. Here the centre was named after our dear Nelson Mandela and his pictures were placed overlooking the halls and meeting rooms.
We also visited a beautiful placed Organic Shop on the river and met the owner who is promoting Organic produce and Organic farming. He will tell the farmer"s forum of IPMT.
Wherever we go there is a sincere interest in IPMT and questions about the teachings of Rudolf Steiner - with a positive response and interest.,
Now to a children care centre and then to a hospital to visit nurses who care for the terminally ill.
All in a days work!!!!!!!