Our initiative aims to establish a library for underprivileged children at EPP Adétikopé Primary School, located in the Adétikopé Commune of Togo, with the goal of enhancing educational access. This project commenced in March of the previous year. We have gathered a diverse array of books from various regions of Switzerland, particularly from the French-speaking areas. However, the project faced challenges due to inadequate funding and extended shipping delays.
Consequently, our organization encountered significant challenges with the shipping logistics. We had initially planned to deliver the books to EPP Adétiokop school in Togo by August of last year. However, we postponed this delivery because the school had not yet allocated space for the library we were assisting in creating. Eventually, the school provided us with two classrooms, but we were compelled to delay the delivery of the books, as the rooms were not adequately prepared to accommodate both the books and the computers. Additionally, we were awaiting the arrival of a second container, leading us to conclude that it would be prudent to assemble all materials and deliver them simultaneously.
Since January, we have been engaged in renovating the two classrooms, and we had anticipated that the school would contribute financially to this renovation. Unfortunately, this was not the case. As the Executive Director of the organization, I was taken aback and found it necessary to invest additional resources to ensure that these children could learn in an inspiring and suitable environment that could rightfully be termed a library. Due to ongoing funding constraints, not all necessary resources have been procured.
Last week, I held a discussion with the project manager to ascertain whether the classrooms we have been working on are ready for the delivery of the donated books from last year. Below is a summary of our conversation.
1.I was rather surprised to learn that the D’Adétikopé school does not have allocated funds to support our efforts in obtaining sufficient shelves, desks, and tables for the ongoing initiative. Would you be able to provide clarification on this matter to the public, so they can gain a clearer understanding of the challenges we are facing?
Since the implementation of free education for all, initiated by His Excellency the President of the Republic, the withdrawal of support from the Parent-Teacher Associations for surrounding schools in Lomé has resulted in many institutions being left in neglect. Funding has diminished significantly. Previously, the tuition fees collected by schools financed approximately sixty percent of their activities. Today, we find ourselves without adequate resources, and the limited funding we do receive is insufficient. Furthermore, we no longer benefit from the support of the Parent-Teacher Associations.
3.Last week, you mentioned a daily decline in the number of teachers. What solutions is the school considering this year to enhance education and improve student performance?
Currently, the existing system makes addressing the shortage of teachers in educational institutions particularly challenging. Schools are compelled to merge certain classes, resulting in an increased student-to-teacher ratio, which consequently diminishes the learning capacity of the students.
2.You also noted that even teachers are not compensated by the state, but rather by the parents. This is quite alarming, considering it is a public school. Could you elaborate on this matter for the public
In the past, under the previous system, when there was a shortage of teachers, the Parent-Teacher Association addressed this issue by recruiting volunteer teachers to assist the state, which would then provide them with compensation. The association played a crucial role in supporting the school in various activities.
4.You also noted that parents had an association that served as a vital resource for supporting students in times of difficulty. With the dissolution of this association, are there any alternative groups or organizations available to advocate for the interests of the children at this school?
Currently, the existing system makes addressing the shortage of teachers in educational institutions particularly challenging. Schools are compelled to merge certain classes, resulting in an increased student-to-teacher ratio, which consequently diminishes the learning capacity of the students.
The dissolution of the Parent-Teacher Association at the school has resulted in the absence of any groups or organizations capable of offering support to the institution. Only a limited number of such entities remain operational.
5.What is the total number of extra tables, chairs, and shelves needed to complete our initiative? Additionally, could you supply a cost estimate to facilitate contributions from interested parties
In relation to the library, to finalize it, we would need to acquire two large tables, three shelves, and approximately ten chairs.
6.Do you possess any additional information that could be communicated to the public concerning our initiative
First and foremost, we would like to express our gratitude to LPI for the remarkable donation they have provided. We hope that it will also support local books. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Léma Plan International and its generous donors for their commitment to us. May you all be abundantly blessed.
In summary, As the leader of the organization, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Radiotélévision Chacun Pour Tous and to all the Swiss individuals who have supported our initiative by donating their books. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Wilson Edoh, who resides in Travers, Switzerland. The success of this mission would not have been possible without their invaluable support.
Moreover, I urge everyone to continue their generous contributions to assist the school in acquiring additional tables and chairs. We have made significant strides, and we remain dedicated to enhancing the lives of these children, as education is a crucial catalyst for change. However, we cannot achieve this goal without your assistance; therefore, we welcome contributions from all.