TOGO MONDE N° 78 Avril 2011

8/6/2019 TOGO MONDE N 78 Avril 2011

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Centre Social (PDH) Promotion et Dveloppement Humain

02 B.P. 20832 Lom, Togo, West Africa Tel: 00228 251 77 52 / 910 46 34

E-Mail : [email protected] : www.pdh-togo.org / www.pdh-info.tg

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Among the news for this month, PDH held two Groupes de Paroles for children on April 13th

and 20th. A lesson

on the importance of environmental protection and proper personal and food sanitation was given by the PDH staffprior to the serving of a delicious dish of rice and fish to everyone. Plenty of games were played, including aspirited guerre de tirer, and fun was had by all.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who joined us and who made these sessions sosuccessful!

3 Good News

Cyprien (61)

Cyprien lost his left leg in an accident many years ago. He worked as a chef in the German Embassy prior to hisaccident. Later, he lost full mobility of his right arm. His wife was supporting him and the family until she passed

away last year. At that time, Cyprien sought aid through PDH. We have been assisting him by providing him withfood provisions and, in an effort to assist him in regaining the mobility of his arm, we recently paid for hisphysiotherapy and necessary medications. While the physiotherapy has not yet proven successful, thephysiotherapist will continue sessions with Cyprien and we will keep monitoring the situation closely.

Stella (179)

We are very happy to report that Stella continues to have great success with her small store! Stella previously hada small shop in a village in the interior of Togo, until she was tragically involved in a hit and run traffic incident thatleft her with hospital bills and the inability to maintain her shop. Following the accident, she required the insertionof metal plate in her right leg and the use of cane if she was to regain her mobility. We assisted her while sherecovered her health and paid for her necessary medical treatment, including the provision of a cane. Once shehad returned to health, we further provided her with micro-financing in order to commence a new business. We are

pleased to report that Stellas health is much improved and her new business has been a great success. She hasin fact been so successful in her enterprise that she has even commenced a small savings account in the event ofany future unforeseen emergencies or setbacks.

4 A Great Big THANK YOU

PDH wishes to express gratitude and appreciation to all of you who have helped in some way - benefactors,donors, volunteers and supporters.

2 Business as Usual


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Special thanks to

1. Mijntje Pieters

2. Marian Nijholt

3. Goke Zijlmans

4. Louk Wolters

5. Hetty Zijlmans

6. Wilma van Oosten

7. Elmy Verhoeven

8. Mieke Thien

9. Jan Lorskens

10.Simone Kunst

11.Marij van Onzenoort

12.Ellen Zijlmans

13.Agaath Hofstede

14.Dineke Maas

We would also like to thank those who might come to Togo in the future to volunteer for PDH. If you would like

more information on how to volunteer, please visit the website www.pdh-togo.org

We thank you for the time and energy that you have shared with us by reading our newsletter, which we hope maybe of continued interest to you. We also thank those who have taken time to share their thoughts with us. They arevery much appreciated.

It is your continued generosity that enables us to support those in need, such as the people you can read about inthe Sad News section ofthis newsletter, those have the same rights to life as you and I.

5 Sad News

Enyonam (562)

Enyonam suffers from HIV. She further developed an abscess that took up a large portion of her right leg,measuring nearly 4 inches in diameter. The abscess recently burst and has limited her mobility. She is in need of adoctor for monitoring the condition and assisting her recovery; unfortunately, she does not have the funds to pay forthis. Enyonam is unable to work due to her present condition. She is married with 2 young children. Her husbandsuffers from tuberculosis. He works to feed the family in spite of his own ailment. We fear that if Enyonam is notable to see a physician for treatment regarding her leg that infection, or worse, may occur. The staff of PDH visitsher regularly and will continue to do everything possible to help support her and her family.

Efanam (594)

It pains us to report that Efanam recently took ill and needed hospital care. While she remains in the hospital, hercondition has not improved. She is suffering from complications caused by HIV and is in dire need of thenecessary Anti-Retroviral Medication. Efanam also suffers from tuberculosis. She is a widow with four childrenand we fear that if she does not soon receive the needed Anti-Retroviral Medication she will not survive.

Martine (565)

She is suffering from HIV and has been in hospital care for the past 2 months due to complications associated withthis deadly disease. Her condition has worsened with the onset of numerous bed sores, which are the result of herlong-term immobility. Her mother and young daughter tend to her at the hospital each day hoping for the best.She is in desperate need of Anti-Retroviral Medication and if she does not receive it soon her chances of survival

are limited.


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Afi (569)

We are deeply saddened in having to report that Afi lost her battle with HIV because she was not provided with thenecessary Anti-Retroviral Medication she so desperately needed. She came all the way from a small village in thecountryside to Lom in search of proper medical care to assist her in her fight against this devastating disease;unfortunately, adequate care and supplies were not able to be provided in time. She passed away at the TokoinHospital this past Friday.

We will continue to provide both a voice and assistance to those in need of necessary medical treatment and

ensure that her loss is not in vain.

6Food For Thought

We do what we can from our base in Lom. At PDH we would love to learn of your experiencesany input you wish to give.

What do you think? We would love to hear your thoughts. You could eitherwrite us a letter or, alternatively, send an email.

7 Volunteer News

1 Goodbye and Thank You

NN/Ref au

repertoire dupersonnel

Name Nationality Date of Arrival Departure

01 189 Theresa VOGEL German 02 December, 2010 12 March, 2011

02 190 Theresa KUHNERT German 02 December, 2010 12 March, 201103 197 Chagny JOVELLANOS French 10 February, 2011 12 March, 2011

04 198 Zijlmans Ellen Dutch 25 February 2011 26 Mars 2011

PREVIOUS VOLUNTEERS REMEMBERED

Have a look at Ellis Veens very interesting videos and photos of PDH and Togo at the links below. A goodway for previous volunteers to reminisce and for future volunteers to see whats in store!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-09NYswmEM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8BTFIwf8QA&feature=related

http://members.chello.nl/j.m.veen/togopdh.html

2 Current Volunteers

NN/Reffor

personnel Name Nationality Date of Arrival Proposed Departure

01 203 Nick LEESON Canadian 03 April, 2011 10 June, 2011


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Thank you for the work you do for us.

A Testimonial from Nick Leeson (Canada)

Im Nick Leeson, an international volunteer from Canada and Im stayinghere for 2 1/2 months (10 weeks). Im currently 1 month into my volunteerwork with PDH and, looking back on the time that I have already spent inTogo, it is unbelievable how much Ive experienced: I will never forget myfirst trip to a Togolese hospital; the smiles on the faces of the children at theorphanage each time I come to visit; the beauty of Loms beaches; or, myfirst time eating the traditional meal Fufu.

Over the years, both my work and education have provided me with ampleopportunities to see much of the world, but never in the same context as mytime here at PDH. In truth, as a tourist and a backpacker travelling throughplaces I rarely had the chance to do much more than see the sights andnever felt I was actually helping the people I encountered. My timevolunteering in West Africa haschanged that: Ive been able tocontribute my personal expertise,knowledge, skills and labour with thosein one of the poorest parts of the world.

Ive probably experienced just about every emotion since I arrived both goodand bad. Ive seen incredibly uplifting sights and those which have left meawake at night searching for answers. At times Ive felt very proud of myachievements, and at other times deeply frustrated that I couldnt do more. Tobe sure, you will quickly come to grips with the realization that you are notgoing to single-handedly change the world in one trip; yet, by joining PDH youwill make a positive impact in a way that buying wristbands and donatingmoney from the comfort of your couch never could.

I promise you that your time with PDH will do far more than add overseas work experience to your CV. If yourelooking for a chance to get yourself out of your comfort zone a new job, new culture, new living arrangements,new colleagues, new support network and, perhaps, a foreign language your time in Togo will not disappoint.Yes, there will be frustrations, from the trivial to the immeasurable: getting used to showering with a bucket;having to negotiate for the majority of your purchases; or trying to understand how necessary medical treatmentcould be denied to someone by reason of lack of funds. But there will be unexpected charms as well: theexcitement of your fist taxi-moto ride; the unexpected conversation with a local at the always busy Grand March;and the smiles, waves and chants of Yovo [white person] by children everywhere you go. Ultimately, in choosingto volunteer with PDH, not only will you make a very unique contribution to improving one of the worlds most

underdeveloped regions, but you will also gain an experience thatwill stay with you for the rest of your life.

Im nearly halfway through my volunteer commitment here at PDHand, while Im looking forward to seeing my family and friends again,

it is hard to imagine that I will soon have to say goodbye to Togo.My time here has provided me with the opportunity to work on adaily basis with and for people on issues that truly have a humanimpact. This experience has forced me to reassess what is trulyimportant in life and where it is that I should focus my own priorities.

In short, if youre thinking about joining PDH as a volunteer, DO IT!It promises to be one decision that youll never regret.


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Centre Social (

02 B.P. 20832 Lom

E-Mail : centre_social

C E N TPromotiBP 20832 Lom T

8 DistanA new project that allows suppor

provide one year of school tuition

specific trade that the adult will

struggling parents pay for school t

1. The future Sponsor will contact Ce

a. Girl aged 18 years and u

b. Boy aged 18 years and u

c. Girl aged 19 years and a

d. Boy aged 19 years and a

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[email protected] /centre

2. The Centre Social PDH will choos

person to the Sponsor.

3. The Sponsored Person will write a

4. The Sponsor will send future corre

Centre Social PDH02 BP 20832 Lom, TogoTel # 00228 251 77 52 / 9Email: centre_social@yaWebsite: www.pdh-togo.

5. It is the Sponsor who decides the

6. The Sponsor sends their donation

Directions on how to send your do

Other ways to donate:

Western Union or Money Gram. Ifdetails of the transfer via email toReceiver : DZAKAS YawoSoga An

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Person.

8. The Centre Social PDH will regula

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SUGGESTED DO

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Our bank detailsBank : Banque TAdresse : BP 65Tel (00228) 221

Code bank Code guichet

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, Togo, West Africa Tel: 00228 251 77 52 / 910

yahoo.frWebsite : www.pdh-togo.org / www.pd

E S O Con et Dveloppemel. (00228) 251 77 52 / 910 46 34 Togo E-mail :

e Adoption: Sponsters of PDH to choose to sponsor a child, adult or f

and school supplies. Sponsoring an adult may help

use to become self sufficient in the work force.

uitions for their children and food for the family.

ntre Social PDH to express their preference in choosi

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[email protected]

someone in need in the selected category and send i

letter via Centre Social PDH to the Sponsor.

spondences to the Sponsored Person via Centre Soci

10 46 34hoo.fr / [email protected], frequency and the duration of the sponsorshi

to the Sponsored Person via Centre Social PDH.

nation to PDH:

using these methods, please make sure you send [email protected] / [email protected] donation and ensures the money is used effectively

rly follow up on the Sponsored Persons situation.

ible for the Sponsored Person and how the money is u

progression of the Sponsored Persons situation.

ATION TO COVER THE NEEDS OF A SPONSORED PER

NEED

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tre Social PDH to Monitor Sponsored Person

in Lom TOGO West Africaogolaise de Dveloppement (BTD) ; SWIFT : BTDETLom, Togo, West Africa6 41

Account number Cle RIB D

40000257104 14 BanqueTogola

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to help the Sponsored

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ON

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: BTDETGTG


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9 To Help PDH without Donating Money

We at PDH are well aware that many of you who would like to help our cause here in Togo simply cannot,due to your own financial limits. There are, however, various alternatives to sending money that cangreatly benefit the humanitarian work of PDH.

Spread the wordOur website features a Download Depot, which stores posters and desktop images. You can download and/or printthese items in order to promote our organization in relevant locations around your town or city eg. cafs, churchesand universities.

Promote PDHHelp us to promote our cause and international profile by telling your friends and family about us. The more peoplethat know about PDH, the greater our support network - it's that simple. You may also know somebody who is in aposition that can greatly aid us by promoting our cause. An example may be a university lecturer from the SocialStudies faculty, a local priest or even a travel agent. Such individuals meet many people on a day-to-day basis andthey may in fact be able to refer future interest to our organization in this manner. You could provide such peoplewith a copy of this newsletter and our web address: // www.pdh-togo.org

PrayFor those of you who are religious, you will know the value of prayer that money simply cannot buy. Pleaseremember us in your prayers, as everyone's spiritual faith is integral to the work that we carry out here.

FundraiseYou can help PDH raise funds by conducting your own fundraising event. For example, gather a group of friendstogether and collect any old clothes, accessories or electronics that you can spare and auction them on eBay. Notonly will you get to tidy out your cupboardbut the profit from your unwanted goods could make a world ofdifference to a Togolese family.

10 Reflections on Donations

We often get questions about what people can send to us to help. Over the last couple of years more and morethings that we need such as school books, stationery and condoms are available here to buy.We usually suggest that sending money over can be more effective because we avoid postal costs and the pricesare cheaper over here so we gain the maximum from your money. Another positive outcome from doing it this wayis that it helps the local economy here in Togo.

On the other hand if there is something in particular that you would like to send over (e.g. puzzles, board games)then feel free to do so; we know sometimes it is nice to send over products that you have chosen, so we will alwaysbe happy to accept any packages we receive. We are also very grateful for supplies that volunteers bring with themfrom their families and friends.


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11 How to Donate to PDH

Very often at PDH, we are forced to turn away people that we, quite simply, cannot help. This isdue to the extremely limited nature of our financial and material resources as we are 100%dependant on donations and volunteers.

We believe that PDH is an excellent choice for those of you who are willing to donate money to a smallnon-government, non-profit aid organization. This is because our administration costs are very low andwe guarantee that your donation - in its entirety - will provide relief that is desperately required by thosein need.

Our donators may minimize the expensive bank fees incurred when sending money overseas by sendinga check or transfer to our UK accounts. They are managed on an entirely voluntary basis by our friendswho send us 100% of the funds on a monthly basis. For those of you who would rather send yourdonation directly to Togo, this is equally possible. Residents living outside of the UK are requested tosend their donation direct to Lom.

To send a check direct to Lom (in either , $US or ):

Payable to: Centre Social PDHAddress: 02 B.P. 20832 Lom, Togo, West AfricaIf writing a check please be aware that it might take several weeks to arrive because thepost can be quite slow.

For amounts to 50 we recommend to either use checks or to contact us to avoid unnecessarycharging fees of the Togolese bank.

Our bank details in Lom TOGOBank : Banque Togolaise de Dveloppement (BTD)Adresse : BP 65 Lom, Togo, West AfricaTel (00228) 221 36 41SWIFT : BTDETGTG

Code bank Code guichet Account number Cle RIB Domiciliation

T0014 01001 40000257104 14Banque Togolaise de Dveloppement

IBAN : TG53 T001 4010 0104 0000 2571 0414 SWIFT : BTDETGTGAccount name: Centre Social PDH

Other ways to donate:Western Union or Money Gram. If using these methods, please make sure you send the

details of the transfer via email to [email protected]

UK citizens can pay directly to:Bank: LIOYDS TSB, High street, SouthamptonSort code: 30 97 80A/c name: UK FRIENDS OF TOGOA/c no: 02471598

Alternatively, UK citizens can send a check:Payable to: UK friends of TogoSend to: Robert BlundenAddress: 11 Gloucester Square, Southampton SO142GH, UK.


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E Mail : centre social@yahoo frWebsite : www pdh togo org / www pdh info tg

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12 The Objectives of PDH:

::To conduct life education that seeks to change behavior.

:: To assist with schooling, literacy, learning and professional training.

:: To listen to, inform and educate the disadvantaged and poverty-stricken.

:: To provide assistance and a means of gaining independence to thosealready possessing professional skills.

:: To assist the disadvantaged and poverty-stricken in regards tonutrition, psychological, sanitation, medication, material needs andfinances.

:: To provide financial assistance and support for those seeking toestablish a small business.

:: To assist the handicapped, refugees and prostitutes to re-establishthemselves both professionally and financially.

:: To assist the elderly and encourage sentiments of self worth.

:: To promote family planning, family health and AIDS prevention.

:: To fight against AIDS and HIV.

:: To cater for the psychological, health, medical and nutritional needs ofthose living with AIDS or HIV.

:: To care for children who are orphans as a result of AIDS.

TOGO MONDE N° 78 Avril 2011

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Transcript of TOGO MONDE N° 78 Avril 2011