Overview of the Project

Like many African countries, Togo doesn't have much money to spend on art and culture. Few people in Togo understand art, because it isn't taught in schools. However, art in Togo is full and rich with traditions. It is mainly comprised of different types of textiles. Some of the highlights of Togolese textile art are wax prints or batik, indigo cloth, Kente, dye-stamped Adinkira cloth, embroideries and lace.

One prominent way to uplift the social status of people in Togo is to provide them opportunities where they can generate their own source of income. The local NGOs have created arts and handcraft-related projects allowing the people in Togo to use their skills to earn extra income by selling these products to visiting tourists

Role of Volunteer

At the arts projects volunteers learn various traditional crafts from the locals like boutique, carving or making ornaments, bracelets or chains with small glass pearls. All materials are come from our partner organization to support the small local initiatives. The products are sold on the local market and the money again returns in running projects. Arts projects are available year round.

Skills/Qualifications

There are no specific requirements for this project.

Room/Food/Supervision

Global Crossroad manages food and accommodation from the very first day to the last day of the program in collaboration with the local host families involved. Togo foods include rice, fufu, pulses soup, seasonal vegetables, and meat occasionally.

During the teaching project, volunteers will stay with a host family. You will either stay near the center or you will commute to the project every day. You can find the details of arrangement for room/food in placement sheets provided you. Our field staff visits you every 2 weeks and maintains contact by phone or through email with volunteers who are placed in farther locations.

Location Descriptions

Teaching projects are located in located in Kpalimé, a city rich with attractions and sight-seeing opportunities. A relatively young city, Kpalimé was founded at the turn of the 19th century by an Ewe group who lived in the kingdom of King AGOKOLI at Notse. Our volunteer program in Togo offers marvelous opportunities to volunteer abroad while exploring the scenic land of Togo and helping the Togolese people and children.

There will be plenty of time for you to explore Kpalimé and the other places of Togo during orientation. Also, Global Crossroad offers full-day guided tours of Kpalimé as a part of the language program.

Remarks: This itinerary gives a generic picture of daily life but it may vary

Ongoing Togo Volunteer Programs: