Togo: Agbelouve

We travelled a shorter distance of 80 kilometers to Agbelouve today.

As we drove into a narrow laneway, it opened into a school yard where an amazing experience awaited us!

From Togo 2011

As soon as we got out of the car, the tam tam drum music started and a group of children who were dressed in traditional African dresses -- with painted skin as well -- performed a very animated dance ensemble. There were even solo dances.

Soon the teachers came to get us to join in the dancing, as the crowd clapped and cheered. It was such an enthousiastic, genuine, warm welcome!

The teachers then introduced themselves, thanked us, and told us what a difference the provision of bedkits makes to these families.

The children showed great enthusiam during the whole time despite the intense heat.

From Togo 2011

Afterwards, the principal invited us on a tour of the nine-room school. Three of the classrooms were open-air, with leaky thatched roofing. She explained that during the six-month rainy season, many parents will not send their children to school because they must all crowd into the other protected classrooms -- for a student population of 380!

This principal's passion for teaching and for her students really impressed us and also marked our day.

Team Togo 2011

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