Vinodi Togo

The Context

Togo, a small country on Africa’s west coast, is sadly known for its decades of bad governance, corruption and human rights violations. It is an extremely poor country, with around one third of the population living below the poverty line. HIV disease now compounds these problems. Despite this, the Togolese are a resourceful people, determined to work for a more hopeful future.

The Project

Vinodi, BCT’s partner in Togo, was initiated in 1999 by a church in the small town of Tsevie. It exists to bring transformation to the hundreds of children who lead vulnerable lives because of poverty, HIV, living on the streets or being orphaned.

A home-based care programme, for children and their families affected by HIV and other illnesses, brings practical help and advice. The emotional support gained is also vital.

Children in households living in poverty are supported with food packages and assistance with medical and schooling costs.

Recognising the importance of helping parents meet their own family's needs, Vinodi offers advice and training in micro-enterprise and parenting skills. Where possible, children living on the streets will be re-connected with family, who will then be supported as a household.

The Vinodi team facilitate training for teachers, parents, church and community leaders, thus passing on their knowledge and motivating communities at large to care effectively for their children.

The Results

• A more stable and secure lifestyle is being established as children are returning to their family homes or being cared for by host families, and households are more able to provide for needs.
• Regular attendance at school is resulting in good school grades and the chance to build hopes for the future.
• Children’s health and physical well being is improving. Children with serious health conditions are being cared for in a loving and appropriate way.
• Attitudes of adults towards children are being transformed 

BCT’s Involvement

• Information resources. Advice and training in project management and development.
• Financial support for: food support packages; medical care; schooling costs; loans and training for income generation activities; training in child protection and parenting skills.

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