Sunday 26 April 2015

Togo: Day 5

We were up again with the hot African sun this morning to depart at 7:00am for our two-hour journey to a remote village northwest of Lomé.

A sea of eager parents and children greeted us.  We were treated to the joyous sound of 500 children singing and clapping. “C’est magnifique” has become a favourite. We’re learning the words and moves, some of us faster than others.

Over the course of the next three hours, a parade of the children in their colourful new clothes had their photos taken and then rushed over to receive their bedkits.  Wearing their backpacks and carrying their mattresses on top of their heads, they headed off to find their moms and dads. 

As a glorious culmination of the day’s distribution, immersed in the vibrant Togolese culture and amidst the verdant landscape, some of the kids and parents gathered with the six of us white guys for a team photo.

One the way home, we visited one of last year’s bedkit recipients where we learned that all items have been well used and lovingly cared for.  In football-mad Togo, where there is a shortage of balls, we brought a number of balls with us and bought more here.  We had the pleasure of leaving one of them for this village. 

Five days of distributions successfully completed! 3,000 more children are now enjoying the comfort of a good night’s sleep, thanks to the generosity of our donors!

Karen Scott for Team Togo 2015