« Education for all children in Africa: The time has come »; this is the theme of the celebration of the Day of African Child 2024. To celebrate it, Compassion International Togo organized a public conference held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 in Lomé by actors involved in child protection.
This event, which is part of the delayed celebration of the Day of African Child, 2024 edition, aims to call for collective and responsible action towards the continent’s children.
« For us, the commitment to education must first and foremost go through the parents. They play a key role in children’s education and success. We therefore appeal to all parents and members of our respective families to provide support to each child in case of educational difficulties. The same appeal is made to all communities, » said Koffi Ahonon, National Director of Compassion International Togo.
The celebration of the Day of African Child is in line with the priorities of Compassion International. Since 2008, this Christian NGO has been campaigning for the defense and promotion of the rights of vulnerable children in Togo.
In collaboration with 367 partner churches, Compassion International Togo is tirelessly committed to building a better world where children discover their potential and are released from poverty.
To succeed in this mission, particular emphasis is placed on access to quality education for the 85,000+ children and young people enrolled in the programme.
From primary school to university, children and young people registered in the Compassion International programme benefit from the support of the organisation, which seeks opportunities that guarantee them a quality education. Through its « Nehemiah Education » program, the NGO provides financial support to young students.
This program allows more than 150 young people to pursue their university education in prestigious institutions, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in order to position them in key sectors.
More than 2,500 baccalaureate holders have also been able to access university training thanks to partnerships signed with 15 universities and private institutes of higher education.
« Despite the progress made in education for all children, it is our duty to recognize that there is still much work to be done. Indeed, many school-age children do not go to school, and others are in school but do not complete their education for several reasons, including poverty and the various abuses and violence they experience, » said Mr. Ahonon.
Faced with these challenges, all actors are called upon to mobilize to raise awareness among communities.
« Everyone must be actively involved in the education, protection and well-being of all children. Every child has the right to grow up in a safe and protective environment. Together, we can build a Togo where every child is protected, educated and has the opportunity to realize his or her potential, » said Ms. Simala Françoise, head of the gender unit at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, representing her supervising minister at this ceremony.
Anika A.
