Open-mindedness, optimism, interest in the cause of women, motivation, initiative, adaptability, etc.
We recommend that non-French speaking volunteers have a basic knowledge of French before their arrival. The official language of Togo is French. The vast majority of local volunteers and communities have a very low level of English.
Togolese women are very involved in the socio-economic life of the country. Almost all of them have an income-generating activity. However, a large number of them do not have the opportunity to go to school or had to leave school very young. The literacy rate among women is low and they are left to fend for themselves in a system that does not provide them with any support. In order to respond to this lack and to help women in their community development, Astovot has devised a 4-part programme adapted to their needs; 1. Functional literacy 2. Training and awareness raising 3. Support for cooperatives 4. Organisation of cultural events to promote their work Volunteers wil (among other things): ✔ Accompany the facilitator in preparing and delivering the classes ✔ Search for speakers and themes for training and awareness raising ✔ Go to the field to interview and understand the needs of local women cooperatives ✔ Propose and deliver entrepreneurial capacity building trainings ✔ Helping to find funding ✔ Set up and design cultural events and activities ✔ Evaluate and participate in the perpetuation of the "women and community development" programme
International volunteers working on long to medium term projects are accommodated with Togolese host families. The families are chosen according to their proximity to the volunteer's place of work. They provide a private room for the volunteers as well as drinking water and 3 meals a day (meals are adapted according to the diet of each volunteer). The volunteer remains independent and is free to go out and participate in activities of his/her choice. Living with a host family allows a total immersion in Togolese life to discover all its facets.
In addition to the main activities of the project, other activities are organised such as: discovery walks, hikes, festive outings and cultural meetings. These activities allow the volunteers to come into contact with the local population and to discover the Togolese culture. During the weekends, collective excursions are organised by the volunteers to discover the tourist sites of the region where the workcamp is taking place. It should be noted that the expenses related to the excursions and the volunteers' outings are not included in the participation fees. However, the association can facilitate or negotiate transport for the volunteers during outings or excursions