On the International Day of Disabled Persons, celebrated around the world every December 3, the Christian NGO Compassion International Togo, in partnership with its Partner Churches, has announced an investment of over 68 million CFA francs to support the inclusion of people with disabilities.
Placed under the theme: “Amplifying the leadership of people with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”, the celebration took the form of a forum for reflection and awareness-raising among stakeholders from partner churches on the inclusion of people with disabilities.
According to available data, around 2.5% of the Togolese population lives with a disability. However, this segment of the population faces numerous social, economic and institutional barriers.
“Only 30% of disabled children have access to education, compared with 80% of other children. Adapted infrastructures are rare and specialized teachers insufficient,” explained Koffi Ahonon, National Director of Compassion International Togo.
Marginalization also extends to employment and health. Prejudice and lack of access to quality education hinder professional integration, while medical infrastructures remain inadequate, particularly in rural areas.
According to data collected in 2022 within CYDCs, 59 reported at least one case of disability (mental, auditory, visual, motor, autistic or participant living with albinism), this represents challenges in terms of care and inclusion.
In response to these challenges, Compassion International Togo and its partners have launched an ambitious program. With a budget of just over 68 million CFA francs, this initiative, scheduled to run until 2026, targets 59 CYDCs across the country.
The project will train project managers and religious leaders to better integrate people with disabilities into their initiatives, build the capacity of partner churches to effectively support this vulnerable segment of the population, and raise awareness among local communities of the importance of social inclusion.
The forum also highlighted testimonies of resilience and success. Some participants, despite their disabilities, shared their impressive journeys in education, entrepreneurship and professional careers.
“These inspiring stories show that people with disabilities are not just recipients of help, but agents of change. By giving them the means to develop their leadership skills, they have a positive impact on their communities,” said Koffi Ahonon.
Present in Togo since 2008, Compassion International Togo supports over 86,000 children and young people in all regions of the country. Through its actions, the organization strives to ensure respect for the fundamental rights of people with disabilities, and to promote their inclusion in all aspects of community life.
The forum was attended by partners including Chirstian Blind Mission (CBM), the Togolese Federation of Disabled People’s Associations (FETAPH), the National Albino Association of Togo (ANAT) and the Ministry of Social Action through the Department for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities.
This forum marks a further step towards a more equitable and inclusive Togolese society, where every individual, whatever their abilities, can contribute to a better future.
Anika A and Espoir K.
