The delayed celebration of the Day of the African Child brought together, on June 25, 2025 in Lomé, various institutional and community actors around a common objective: to make the child the heart of the national development project.
Under the theme: « Creating a Child-Centred Nation », this day of mobilization saw the participation of government representatives, civil society organizations, religious leaders, partners NGO, as well as many children and young people from all regions of the country.
In his opening remarks, Olivier Koffi Ahonon, National Director of Compassion International Togo, praised the efforts underway in the country while stressing the urgency of a profound change in public priorities. « It is time to rethink our societal model to place the child at the center of development policies, » he said in his speech, recalling that more than 90,000 participants are already benefiting from Compassion International’s programs in Togo, in the fields of education, health, nutrition, protection against violence and family capacity building.
On this occasion, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Social Action, representing the Minister, praised the commitment of Compassion International Togo and particularly the innovative initiative that allowed children to dialogue directly with the deputies of the National Assembly – an event described as historic by all the participants.
A highlight of the ceremony was the intervention of Miss Dieu-Béni Dogo, young leader and president of the Youth Committee of the Haho North Cluster, captivated the audience. As the voice of Togo’s children, she made ambitious recommendations, calling for the creation of regional forums on positive parenting, the establishment of family mediation services in each commune, and the institutionalization of the Children’s Parliament in decision-making processes. « We want our voice to count on all decisions that affect us, » she said.
During thematic panels, Compassion International presented a ten-step roadmap for building a child-centred nation with a holistic focus on development. This roadmap covers issues of education, health, access to drinking water, protection, family empowerment, and citizen participation.
Olivier Koffi Ahonon said in his speech that this approach is based on community engagement, and that each child must be able to evolve in a healthy, safe and stimulating environment.
Through this celebration, Compassion International Togo reaffirms its determination to work hand in hand with the State, local authorities and community actors to build a protective, equitable and inclusive Togo for all children.
Albertine A.
