54%
Of the urban population lives in slums
Life in informal settlements
The population of Togo has grown rapidly over the years, and now 54% of people in cities live in slums. This rapid population growth puts a lot of strain on Lomé's infrastructure, and impoverished neighbourhoods and large informal settlements have sprung up all over the city. Informal settlements, like slums, are characterized by the lack of durable and permanent housing that protects against extreme weather conditions. They are often crowded with no easy access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. Under these circumstances, many diseases will spread easily either through contaminated water or the high population density. Here, infrastructure such as health services and education tend to be limited.
21%
Of children are married in childhood
Child marriage puts children at risk
The prevalence of child marriage in Togo is 21%, which means that two out of ten children were married before they were eighteen years old. Although this practice is more common among girls than boys, it is a fundamental violation of rights regardless of gender. Many factors interact to place a child at risk of marriage. These factors include poverty, the perception that marriage offers "protection", social norms or an inadequate legal framework. Child marriage often affects the development of children, especially girls, by leading to early pregnancy and social isolation, interrupting their schooling, limiting their opportunities and career advancement, and putting them at risk of domestic violence.
Your support makes a difference for children in Lomé
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
40
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Children in our care reading a book together. Siblings grow up together and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Togo).
How your support helps in Lomé
Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.