The Commune of Golfe 1 in Togo recently concluded the fifth edition of its "Vacances Utiles" program, a three-week initiative aimed at providing educational, cultural, and practical activities for children aged 5-14. The program, which took place across five sites in the commune, was designed to keep children engaged and learning during their summer break, while also helping to prevent idleness and risk behaviors.
The program's closing ceremony was attended by Golfe 1 Mayor Joseph Koamy Gbloekpo Gomado, who interacted with the young participants just days before the start of the new school year. The mayor emphasized that the program's goal is to enable children to make the most of their free time while alleviating the burden on parents. By offering a structured environment for learning and growth, the initiative seeks to promote the well-being and health of the children.
During the three-week program, participants benefited from a range of activities, including French and English language classes, as well as practical, artistic, and cultural pursuits such as pottery, drawing, painting, and traditional drumming. These activities were designed to provide children with a diverse set of skills and experiences that can benefit them beyond the summer break.
A team of supervisors was recruited to oversee the children each day from 8am to noon, ensuring their safety and engagement throughout the program. In addition to the educational activities, the closing ceremony also included the distribution of school kits to each participant, in preparation for the upcoming school year.
The school kits are intended to help alleviate the financial burden on families, particularly during a time of rising living costs. According to Mayor Gomado, this contribution will enable parents to allocate resources more effectively, in the best interests of their children.
The "Vacances Utiles" program also extended support to the student supervisors, who received financial assistance to facilitate their university re-enrollment. The municipality organized exchange sessions with these supervisors to discuss their academic progress and potential challenges, highlighting the commune's commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
As the fifth edition came to a close, Mayor Gomado encouraged the children to embody the values of non-violence, social cohesion, and respect for elders, parents, and peers. The program aims to instill these values in the children, preparing them to become responsible citizens and leaders in the future. The sixth edition of "Vacances Utiles" is already planned for next year, with new innovations and a continued focus on making summer break a time for learning and growth.
Key points
- The program provided educational, cultural, and practical activities for children aged 5-14.
- The initiative aims to prevent idleness and risk behaviors during summer break.
- The program's impact will help shape a new generation of responsible citizens in Togo.
