On October 6, the Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), Benjamin Neumann, visited the CEG Avéta in Togo's Zio 1 commune to inspect infrastructure projects completed under the Programme d'appui à la réforme des collèges (PAREC). The program has improved learning and working conditions at the school. CEG Avéta has received two educational blocks with four classrooms each, an administrative block with offices and staff rooms, and four sanitation blocks. The school also received desks, textbooks, and educational kits.
The PAREC program, which has reached its end in Togo, was implemented in two phases. The first phase ran from 2014 to 2018, and the second phase, PAREC II, is ongoing from 2020 to 2025. During this period, the program has supported 176 public colleges across Togo's five educational regions. A total of 384 equipped classrooms, administrative blocks, latrines, boreholes, and solar installations have been constructed. These projects have benefited over 45,000 students.
The PAREC program aims to support Togo's education reform by focusing on infrastructure, learning quality, and school conditions. The program prioritizes equity between boys and girls and enhances the capacity of schools, particularly in rural areas. The AFD, in partnership with Togolese authorities, has financed the program through grants. Neumann reaffirmed France's commitment to supporting Togo's education sector and promoting youth success.
During his visit, Neumann emphasized that the new infrastructure will improve working conditions for teachers and learning conditions for students. CEG Avéta's director, Dongo Ablavi Bileyo, expressed her gratitude, noting that the new buildings will contribute to sustainable improvements in the school's performance and students' well-being. The AFD engages in various projects worldwide, focusing on education and sustainable development in collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders.
The AFD's involvement in Togo's education sector demonstrates its commitment to supporting the country's development. The agency's projects align with the Togolese government's priorities in education and youth development. By investing in education infrastructure, the AFD aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of Togolese students and teachers.
The PAREC program's achievements in Togo serve as a model for future development projects in the education sector. The program's focus on equity, quality, and infrastructure has yielded positive results, which can be replicated in other contexts. As the program continues to unfold, its impact on Togo's education landscape is expected to be significant.
The visit by Neumann highlights the strong partnership between France and Togo in the education sector. The two countries share a commitment to improving education outcomes and promoting sustainable development. Through initiatives like PAREC, France aims to support Togo's efforts to provide quality education for all its citizens.
Key points
- The French Development Agency has invested in Togo's education sector through the PAREC program, benefiting over 45,000 students.
- The program has constructed 384 equipped classrooms and other infrastructure across Togo's five educational regions.
- The AFD has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Togo's education sector and promoting youth success.
