When volunteering comes to the University of Lomé

ANVT signs a commitment with the University of Lomé

Known as a formal commitment (a contract) for a limited full-time period, volunteering will now be part of the lives of Togolese students.

This news follows an agreement signed last June, between the governing body of the University of Lomé and that of the ANVT (National Agency for Volunteering in TOGO), which aims to promote volunteering by the occupants of the temple of knowledge.

Indeed, this agreement aims to allow students to discover the world of volunteering and humanitarian work, in which they are called to put their energy and knowledge into building a better country.

Volunteering in a student environment

“Volunteering, a concept not foreign to students at the University of Lomé .”

A trip by our technical team to the field to meet certain students from the University of Lomé allows us to realize that they not only want this contract, but also have good knowledge of the subject. This is for example the case of Kossi ETSE, in second year Sociology for whom “ Volunteering is the act of committing freely for a given period to serve a cause and acquire other knowledge and skills. » but he has not yet taken the first step in the matter, because “ not knowing any voluntary associations » that must be approached. Abidé LEGEZIM, first year of English, adds that for her part, she “ knows the National Agency for Volunteering, but really doesn't have the time to try to get there. However, if the opportunity presented itself to her, she would try .” However, Elie NYAMADON, met not far from the medical faculty, where he is preparing his license, happily affirms that “ outside of classes at the faculty, he offers his time and energy to a local association, of which he is a member, and which works in social and health matters, as part of the program to combat the Covid pandemic. -19. »

students and young graduates committed to development

It should be noted that the concept of volunteering in Togo has grown considerably in recent years through the creation of several structures or programs aimed at promoting cooperation, reciprocal solidarity and sustainable development. These structures extend into various areas:

• Health, with the fight against sexually transmitted diseases, malaria, Covid-19 etc.,

• Education, with the promotion of schooling, the construction of schools, the donation of school kits, etc.,

• the Environment, with raising awareness of the importance of the environment, the clearing of unsanitary areas, the installation of public trash cans, etc.,

• Agriculture, to restore importance to agriculture, provide material assistance to farmers, etc.

It should be remembered on the one hand that the majority of volunteers counted in TOGO are young graduates and students from different faculties, aware of the importance of their contributions to society. And, to emphasize the subject and encourage more will in the matter, the University of Lomé ensured that volunteering is the subject of research within it, and that there are modules on volunteering and civic engagement as free Teaching Units for students of certain faculties.

The challenges of student volunteering in Togo: from theory to practice

" in the face of theory, a reality showing a need for commitment and motivation for practice."

However, this initiative certainly allows students to have more in-depth ideas about volunteering, but does not allow them to embark on concrete voluntary actions. This program, it must be emphasized, is purely theoretical while action or practice is the major lever of development. Finding yourself in a room for hours studying a subject and ultimately not being motivated enough to start looking for voluntary structures or organizations for the practice is really not profitable.

Also, Togolese students whose daily life is always strewn with difficulties (course materials to pay, tutorials, etc.) are continually in daily search of money, and it seems difficult or even implausible for them to work or spend money. energy without remuneration. They prefer to work and earn money instead of voluntary work, although this apprehension is hardly volunteering, but rather volunteering.

So, it is urgent to get our students to understand and experience the importance of volunteering, by encouraging them to have a greater desire to do it, and by sending them into the field, integrating them into different volunteering organizations. volunteering, where they will have the opportunity to propose development ideas, and also discover the challenges in volunteering.

It is with this in mind that BETFRIKA , in the near future, plans to work with Togolese students on a project in which they will be the main agents on the ground.

Until then, let's continue to dream and breathe volunteering.

Ms. Ornela Tingougoui

Betfrika