Workcamp Details

Description: Espace Agro-Ecologique is a place where we come to learn, recharge, meet and share. It is an initiative of the NGO ASTOVOT for several years to promote agroecology and the preservation of biodiversity. This small farm located in a very wooded area with a small river nearby allows to exploit a plot of market gardening, where a diversity of organic vegetables is grown for local consumption. Every summer, immersion stays make it possible to make accessible to all, the techniques and practices of agroecology at the scale of a garden. Over the years, this volunteer project has become a genuine solidarity program aimed at raising awareness and concretely transmitting agroecological values and techniques to national and international volunteers.

Type of Work: OBJECTIVES? Preserve the biodiversity of the site; Promote the cultivation of organic vegetables and fruits through agroecology; Promote educational exchanges on agroecology and other practices for more responsible agriculture between volunteers and facilitators; TASKS FOR VOLUNTEERS: Manufacture of boards, nursery, hoeing; compost; Transplanting seedlings, watering seedlings; Reinforce the garden fence with bamboo; Construction of a straw and bamboo hut for relaxing and preserving tools and products; Organization of educational activities in the garden with children;

Accommodation: Accommodation is generally basic, simple and specific to the project location. On site, volunteers are accommodated in groups of three or four people per room. The number of people per room depends on how the volunteers themselves organise the group. In some places, volunteers can use dry toilets and showers without water inside. This means that volunteers will have to fetch water from a fountain or well. The association provides volunteers with plastic or foam mats. Volunteers who have sleeping bags can bring them with them if possible. Access to drinking water on site.

Language: The languages of the project are French and then English. However, we recommend that volunteers who are not French-speaking have a basic knowledge of French before they arrive, as the official language of Togo is French. The vast majority of local volunteers and local communities have a very poor level of English.

Requirements: This project requires specific qualities from volunteers: motivation, patience, team spirit, solidarity, sharing and listening,

Approximate Location: Kpalimé is about an hour and a half's drive from Lomé and is set in a beautiful natural environment. Located in south-west Togo, the area surrounding the town is lush and fertile, encircled by thickly wooded hills, deep valleys and small farming villages. Kpalimé is also the country's most important craft centre, home to a large number of artists and craftsmen: woodcarvers, batikeur, potters, weavers, calabash-makers, etc. The many "nature" walks and hikes take you along the paths to discover the daily life of the local people, who live mainly from agriculture.

Notes: During the work camp, the volunteers will cook their own meals. An internal organisation will create groups that will alternate to carry out the various domestic tasks domestic tasks, including cooking. The food products used for cooking are imported, local and organic. The diet of each volunteer will be taken into taken into account when preparing meals. Volunteers will have access to tropical fruit such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, papayas, etc. Along side the main activities of the work camp, other activities are organised, such as discovery walks, hikes, festive outings and cultural encounters. These activities enable the volunteers to come into contact with the local population and to discover Togolese culture.

Camp Photographs