Workcamp Details

Description: This summer, ASTOVOT is organising an international project to provide socio-educational activities and produce a collection of stories in the village of Agomé-Tomégbé in Togo. The aim of the project is to mobilise children and the local community around the importance of culture, education and the preservation of oral heritage. The aim is to organise socio-educational and leisure workshops focusing on the collection of Ewé folk tales, which will then be compiled for future use in Togo's schools.

Type of Work: Storytelling workshops and story collection: Sessions to collect traditional stories from children, young people, the elderly and local storytellers. Animation workshops: Activities (reading, games, theatre, sports) for children. Training in socio-educational leadership: Training volunteers in leadership techniques, group management and the use of storytelling as a learning tool. Story writing and editing: Transcription, rewriting and structuring of the stories for publication, with the participation of the volunteers and the ASTOVOT team. Creation of a collection of stories: Layout, printing and distribution of a collection with illustrations and information about Togo's traditions. Storytelling shows: Organisation of shows in schools, villages or festivals to promote and pass on the tale

Study Theme:  Promoting Togolese culture and heritage: Through traditional storytelling, this project aims to preserve and pass on the stories, myths and legends of the different regions of Togo.  Strengthen social and educational skills: Socio-educational activities enable participants to learn to work together, develop critical thinking skills and gain a better understanding of social and educational values.  Encouraging creativity and participation among young people and children in the village: By involving young people, children and parents in creative and storytelling activities.  Publishing

Accommodation: Accommodation is simple and adapted to the project location. Volunteers are accommodated in groups of three or four per room, with flexible arrangements to ensure a mix of sexes. Depending on the site, dry toilets and waterless showers may be available. The association provides plastic or foam mats, and volunteers can bring their own sleeping bags if possible. Drinking water is available on site, but access to electricity and the Internet may be limited due to load shedding and difficulties accessing the network.

Language: The main languages on the project are English and French. However, we recommend that non-French speakers have a basic knowledge of French before they arrive, as French is the official language of Togo. In addition, the vast majority of local volunteers and community members have a limited level of English.

Requirements: This project requires certain qualities on the part of volunteers: motivation, patience, team spirit, solidarity, sharing and listening, ability to adapt... etc.

Approximate Location: Agomé-Tomégbé is a picturesque village in the Kloto prefecture, 15 km from Kpalimé and 145 km from Lomé. Thanks to its pleasant mountain climate, it offers visitors the opportunity to discover remarkable natural sites and enjoy its rivers. The region boasts a wide variety of landscapes and a wealth of agricultural activity, growing tropical produce such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, soursops, avocados, coffee, cocoa and papaya. Agomé-Tomégbé also stands out for its efforts to get girls into school, with an inclusive and effective education policy.

Notes: Throughout the work camp, the volunteers will prepare their meals as a group, alternating domestic tasks, including cooking. In addition to the main activities, walks, hikes, festive outings and cultural encounters are organised, allowing volunteers to discover Togolese culture and meet the local people. At weekends, group excursions are organised to explore the region's tourist sites.