Togo: International Day of the African Child – Kids from the Great Market reveal themselves

24 Jun 2011 Trafficking, abuse and exploitationTogo

On the International Day of the African Child, child workers in the Great Market, supported by Terre des hommes, organised an exhibition followed by an auction of batiks (hand-painted materials) that they had made. A wonderful chance to discover the hidden talent of these children of the shadows.

In the framework of its project for Child Protection in the Great Market of Lomé and the celebrations for the International Day of the African Child, the Terre des hommes delegation in Togo suggested that these kids, who normally work in the market, express themselves by making batiks. Fifteen itinerant salesgirls also took part in this workshop, and a batik specialist, Edem Sodjinsi, helped them discover this art form.

The aim of this workshop was to offer the youngsters some training which was at one and the same time technical and recreational, and showing their development to people outside. Through the art of batik, these children were able to express their feelings differently about their everyday life. The exhibition naturally called itself “Self-portrait”.

Amongst the numerous themes conjured up by these apprentice artists, abuse and bad living conditions were often mentioned, more as a reflection of the reality in that country than as personal experience. Nevertheless, the optimistic vision of these kids should be underlined, as they put forward the spirit of solidarity that reigns in the Great Market, whilst advocating the freedom of each child to be the master of his own future.

During the auction, the Ambassador of the USA and the Director General for Child Protection honoured the youngsters with their presence. That evening was rich in emotion for the kids, as most of them had never had the chance to share their everyday life with so many guests. They were also touched by the commitment of the visitors to improving their living conditions.

The 240,000 CFA francs (CHF 500.-) made at the auction will allow four children to do an apprenticeship in their trade of choice. And after the success of this event, the youngsters will now have the possibility to be self-financing for their job training and to set up new revenue-generating activities whose success will doubtless be assured!

Terre des hommes has been supporting the children from the Great Market since 2005 in their various individual projects, whether schooling or apprenticeship, with the aim of getting them away from their situation of labouring.