ACCOUNT OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK IN TOGO Year 2018

Entertaining activities in the orphanage at SOS Kara

Outstanding students with whom EDULCOD Togo is working organized some donations and entertaining activities for hundred orphans at SOS Kara. These students saved their pocket money to buy soap, sugar and milk to support the orphans. In addition, they gave free English classes to the students who enjoyed them. Songs they taught the orphans and their engagement will always remain in their memory.

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Community Service

Prior to the main event, EDULCOD Togo organized a cleaning activity at one of the main radios in Togo located in Kara eight hours drive from the capital. Members of the organization and students coming from various schools took part in this activity. The main reason for this cleaning up was to bring our contribution to our country’s development and also encourage the youths to get involved in the development of their communities. Another reason was to display to our communities the importance of the mass media in education. It was a great opportunity for EDULCOD Togo to talk to listeners about the advantages of International Education.

Sensitization in schools

EDULCOD Togo went through some secondary schools in Kara to talk to young learners about the benefits of studying abroad and exchange programs. EDULCOD Togo board members seized that opportunity to talk to learners about leadership, community development through community service and the importance of English language in the world today.

Culminating activities

The celebration of the International Education Week in Kara organized by EDULCOD Togo, a non-profit organization gathered around six hundred middle and high school students, thirty teachers, one English language inspector, three Peace Corps Volunteers, three school principals, twenty parents and some university students. Many activities were conducted among which:

1 .Choir performance

Choirs of different schools performed on the stage singing songs they have written themselves about education in general and the International Education in particular. The aim of that activity was to instill and sharpen creativity in learners. Additionally, this was an opportunity to break shyness in the youths in our community and let them have fun.

2. Presentation of the International Education and its benefits

Mr.  Arsène Mabadjam Katawa, International ACAC Scholar 2017 and the English Language Fellow Howard Johnson jointly presented on the International Education Week. In their interactive presentation, they went through the benefits of the international Education Week celebration, the benefits of studying abroad and the different steps in the university application process and raised up some challenges related to the process. Some alumni were joined directly via Skype, some sent recorded videos about what they think the International Education is and their experience of studying abroad. Participants enjoyed learning directly from alumni. We received testimonies from alumni in South Korea, USA, Canada, India, and South Africa.

To end their presentation and to have participants have an idea about what admission reps are looking for, they showcased Kwasi Enin who got into eight Ivys.

3. Debate topic: “Togolese Education: what should be improved?”

To reflect on some strategies to improve education in our communities, a debate was organized for young learners to bring their input in the improvement of educational system in Togo. Through this debate, participants recognized that the educational system in Togo is not fitting some job markets today. They suggested more practical, creative and entrepreneurial education that would enable them to create their own jobs and contribute to the development of their communities.

4. English Speech Contest

Knowing the importance of the English language in the world today especially for international education, the speech contest was organized to promote the English language in Togo especially the speaking which is a great challenge for learners today. Another objective of this competition was to develop public speaking skills in learners and help them create self-confidence.  Furthermore, the competition was about education and students had to write their speeches on that topic time to open their minds to writing skills and creativity.

5. Songs, choreography and poems

Young learners were given the chance to write their own songs and poems pertaining to education. The participants and the panel of judges were elated to listen to great and instructive songs and poems coming from young learners. Besides, participants enjoyed some activities of choreography performed by students coming from various schools.

6. Impressions and thanks

EDULCOD Togo is delighted to have organized this unique activity in Togo which drew hundreds of participants to celebrate the International Education Week.  Not many people knew about this great event before. Thanks to EDULCOD Togo that celebration helped students, teachers and the educational authorities to learn more about International Education and its benefits, the US university application process. Following that event around thirty students approached EDULCOD Togo for questions pertaining to university applications. Two of them applied and got admitted to the African Leadership Academy and four were selected to attend the Yale Young African Scholars’ Program in Kenya and in Zimbabwe the next summer.