PROJECT TOGO 2024: When ideas become real change

A breath of fresh air in the kitchen: new ovens for better health

In several villages - including Sokpokopé and Zionlétou - improved cooking stoves were installed in 2024. These stoves are real everyday heroes: They save wood, emit hardly any smoke and bring a degree of comfort to the often simple kitchens. The effect is immediately noticeable: less irritable coughing, less firewood to lug around - and a kitchen in which people enjoy cooking again. The best thing about it? The enthusiasm is contagious. More and more families want to join in. A snowball effect towards sustainability.

Soap becomes self-confidence: Empowering women in Kotokopé

Under the guidance of an experienced soapmaker, 20 women not only learned how to make soaps with natural fragrances and ingredients. They also learned how to market, package and sell products. The cooperative really blossomed: The small project turned into a creative workshop that now produces soaps, oils, cookies and even firelighters from palm residues. Particularly charming: the products are packaged in colorful cloth - a real eye-catcher on any market stall.

Water, the elixir of life: well construction with responsibility

A 60 meter deep well was drilled in Aboudjokopé - a milestone for the village community. Accompanied by training courses and a newly founded water committee responsible for quality and maintenance. The new water tower was inaugurated in September - a day of celebration for the village. Two more wells were also drilled to supply the new fish farm and the agroforestry area with water.

Fish from their own farm: The dream of self-determined food

What still looks like a building site today will soon be a functioning cycle: A local fish farm is being built in Aboudjokopé. Tanks, storage rooms, housing for employees - everything is taking shape. And what's special: The nutrient-rich water will later also be used to grow vegetables. Step by step, a small, local supply structure is being created - independent, sustainable and fit for the future.

Learning needs space: a classroom for Fokpo

April was a special month for many children in Fokpo. A new school building was inaugurated with guests from Germany and the local school authorities. Sturdily built, equipped with desks and benches - finally a room where learning is easier. And you could feel that education is seen as a shared mission here.

Agroforestry: where trees, vegetables and community grow

The syntropic agroforestry system in Aboudjokopé is an impressive example of how nature and agriculture can go hand in hand. Under the guidance of our specialist Johann Thaler, rows of plants were cultivated, the soil improved and new seedlings planted. At the same time, two new residential buildings, a warehouse and even a small additional house were built - a place where work and life grow together. Culinary delights were also harvested: Manioc, corn, bananas - processed and sold by the Novissi women's cooperative. A piece of economic independence that tastes good.

Waste project with a signal effect

In Novissikomé, waste is not only collected, but rethought. A dedicated group meets weekly, organizes collection campaigns and works on recycling ideas that can be implemented with simple means. Composting, plastic upcycling, information evenings - and all this in the middle of the neighborhood. The aim: a model district that shows how change starts locally.

Encounter creates connection

The visit from Germany was more than just a trip - it was an encounter at eye level. During the tour of the project, the exchange with the cooperative and dancing together, it became clear that what is growing here is more than just infrastructure. It is trust. And that is sustainable.

Training courses that change lives

Whether it was a first aid course, literacy training or cultivation workshops for yams and rice - the 2024 training courses were practical and true to life. They meet people where they are and encourage them to learn new things. Education you can touch - and pass on.

And what else? Quite a lot!

• 100,000 new young trees grown and planted in the tree nursery.
• A good honey harvest and growing sheep farming as a new source of income.
• Shea harvest for the next round of natural shea butter.
• Fire prevention under extreme conditions - thanks to strong local teams.

Thank you for making this possible!

None of this would be possible without our supporters, partners and the fantastic team in Togo. PROJECT TOGO impressively demonstrates that sustainability doesn't just mean planting trees. It also means: Creating prospects. Securing livelihoods. Growing together. 2024 was a strong year. And 2025? It will be no less.