Workcamp Details

Description: Every summer, ASTOVOT organises, in collaboration with the Village Development Committee (VDC) of the village of Yéviépé, an international workcamp for socio-educational activities and school support for the children of the village. The activities of the workcamp take place both in the new library built by ASTOVOT and in the primary school of the village of Yéviépé. The volunteers not only provide a framework for the development of the village's children through several recreational and cultural activities, but also give some lessons such as mathematics, English and French to the pupils before the start of the next school year.

Type of Work: The activities to be carried out are divided into two parts: The first part will be devoted to tutoring primary and secondary school pupils in the subjects where they have the most difficulties. The volunteers will intervene in particular in the learning of the French language (reading, writing, conjugation, written and oral expression, etc.); in mathematics and also in English. The second part consists of organising games and various activities in the village library or outside (reading, drawing, singing and dancing competitions, theatre, slam...), writing a collection of stories, showing films and documentaries for the children.

Study Theme: To improve children's reading, writing and speaking skills in French. This mastery is essential for good progress in other subjects. To develop and enhance children's talent in all kinds of school and extra-curricular subjects; To improve children's education through cultural exchange, on aspects such as tolerance, respect, empathy and appreciation of diversity. To work on gender stereotypes in different school subjects (scientific, technological, social, etc.), in order to ensure equal opportunities for girls and boys.

Accommodation: Accommodation is generally basic and specific to the location. The number of people per room depends on the collective organisation of the volunteers themselves. Depending on the location, volunteers may use dry toilets and showers without running water. This means that volunteers will have to fetch water from a fountain or a well. We provide volunteers with plastic or foam mats. Volunteers who have sleeping bags, sleeping mats and a mosquito net can bring them with them. Access to drinking water on the site. However, access to electricity and internet may be limited depending on the village.

Language: The languages of the project are French and then English. However, we recommend that non-French speaking volunteers have a basic knowledge of French before their arrival as the official language of Togo is French. The vast majority of local volunteers and communities have a very low level of English.

Requirements: This project requires a high level of motivation on the part of the volunteers, as it involves a permanent mobilisation of the volunteers around the organised activities. Volunteers must have a real interest in interculturality and solidarity.

Approximate Location: Located 12 km from the town of Kpalimé on the road linking it to the village of Nyivé on the Togo-Ghana border, Yéviépé was founded in the late 18th century. With a population of about 3000 inhabitants, it is surrounded by the villages of Kpadapé to the north, Kalakala to the east, Nyivé to the south and Womé to the west. The population is mainly agricultural and activities are based on the cultivation of maize, beans, cassava, yams and rice. There is a primary school and a secondary school for pupils from six neighbouring villages.

Notes: During the workcamp, the volunteers will cook their own meals. An internal organisation will allow for the creation of groups that will alternate to carry out the different domestic tasks, including cooking. Food products used for cooking are sometimes imported, local and organic. The diet of each volunteer will be taken into account in the preparation of meals. Volunteers will have access to tropical fruits such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, papayas, etc In addition to the main activities of the workcamp, other activities are organised such as: discovery walks, hikes, festive outings and cultural meetings. It should be noted that the expenses related to the excursions and the volunteers' outings are not included in the participation fees.