The NGO Compassion International Togo celebrated, Thursday February 1st, 2024, in Lomé, its 16th anniversary under the theme: “Reaping the harvest in the midst of famine”.
The event brought together staff and the leadership of the organization as well as beneficiaries.
This commemoration offered the leaders of Compassion International Togo the opportunity to look back on these 16 years of existence and to set new objectives.
“We started with 646 children, and after 16 years of activities, we now support more than 80,000. The program began in the Maritime region and today extends to all 5 regions of the country, covering 25 prefectures. More than 1,200 young people have completed the program by the age of 22. Over the years, the NGO has established facilities including drinking water boreholes, hand washing facilities, toilets, and electrification schemes in over 200 communities. More than 90% of young people supported by the program continue their studies, of which more than 3,000 are currently at university. It is a divine grace, and we rejoice to have accomplished these works in the name of the Lord,” said Olivier Koffi AHONON, National Director of Compassion International Togo.
This NGO, through the sponsorship system, works for the holistic development of children, mainly targeting those from the most disadvantaged families. To do this, it provides physical, socio-economic, spiritual and emotional care for these children from a very young age, thus contributing of »releasing children from poverty in the name of Jesus ».
The testimonies collected during this anniversary highlighted the significant impact of Compassion International on the lives of families within Togolese society. Among other things, she supported children with academic difficulties throughout their educational journey, provided medical assistance to beneficiaries, promoted the professional integration of some and encouraged personal development.
Despite its successes, challenges remain, said Mr. Olivier Koffi AHONON.
“After these 16 years, we are looking forward to 2030. We currently have around 19,000 young people who will reach the age of 22 over the next 6 years. The NGO wishes to mobilize all possible means to promote the holistic development of these 19,000 children. We also plan to continue our expansion in the most deprived areas,” he said.
Building on the theme of the celebration, the various stakeholders took the opportunity to address prayers of continued blessings to Compassion International Togo, encouraging it to meet the challenges despite the international context marked, in recent times, by multiple crises. This, with a view to fulfilling the divine prophecy recorded in Genesis 26, aimed at “Reaping a harvest in the midst of famine”.
It should be noted that Compassion International Togo has been involved in the field of holistic care of children and young people since 1952.
The NGO is active in 27 countries, including 10 in Africa, where nearly 3 million children benefit from its support.
Anika A.
