The NGO Association Togolaise des Volontaires au Travail (ASTOVOT) has over 60 years of experience in international voluntary service. Each year, it welcomes many volunteers from around the world for short, medium, and long-term projects (from 3 weeks to 12 months) in Togo. These projects allow around 200 national volunteers to interact with international volunteers and create meaningful intercultural exchanges throughout the year. ASTOVOT is a member of: Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS – UNESCO) Network of Africa Voluntary Organisations (NAVO) It partners with volunteer organizations in Europe, Asia, the USA, Canada, and Africa. Its projects mainly focus on: Community development Education and citizenship Health and social action Environmental protection Intercultural learning Construction and renovation of community infrastructure

Project Descriptiion :

As part of its socio-educational initiatives, ASTOVOT is organizing a summer volunteer program at the ASTOVOT Library. This project aims to offer students and young people in the community a program combining computer literacy and the development of oral expression skills. During the holidays, the library becomes a space for learning, creativity, and exchange, where youth can strengthen their digital knowledge while cultivating public speaking, self-confidence, and critical thinking.

Objectives of project

Strengthen students’ digital skills through computer literacy (office software, internet research, educational and online tools, etc.)
Develop young people’s public speaking and communication skills to improve confidence, clarity, and analytical thinking
Foster creativity and teamwork through interactive educational activities
Promote volunteering and intercultural exchange as tools for non-formal education and personal development


Volunteer Tasks

Computer Workshops

Introduce youth to basic computer use: keyboard, file management, and office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Train on online research, responsible internet use, and digital educational tools

Public Speaking and Expression Workshops

Organize sessions on public speaking, stress management, and self-confidence Lead role-playing, debates, readings, and presentations to help students express themselves clearly and confidently Raise awareness about respectful communication and active listening

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is usually basic and depends on the project location. Volunteers stay in groups of 3–4 per room, with room-sharing arrangements decided collectively. Some sites have dry toilets and showers without running water. Mats are provided, and volunteers may bring sleeping bags if possible. Drinking water is available on site, but electricity and internet access may be limited.

FOODS

During the camp, volunteers are responsible for preparing their own meals. An internal schedule organizes volunteers into groups that take turns handling household tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and meal preparation. Ingredients may be local, imported, or organic, and special dietary needs are taken into account whenever possible. Volunteers also enjoy a variety of tropical fruits such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, and papayas, which are readily available during the camp.

Apart from the main camp activities, several recreational and cultural activities are organized, such as discovery walks, hiking, festive outings, and cultural exchanges. These activities allow volunteers to interact with local communities and to explore Togolese culture. During weekends, group excursions are arranged by volunteers and camp coordinators to visit local tourist sites in the project area. Please note that costs related to excursions and outings are not included in the participation fee.

A basic knowledge of computers or an interest in communication and public speaking is desirable. Volunteers should demonstrate openness, patience, pedagogical skills, and the ability to adapt well to communal living.


Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your stay and contain at least two blank pages for the visa. Visa: Application is done online. Current procedures and requirements for traveling to Togo are available at https://voyage.gouv.tg/. It is strongly recommended to apply well in advance.

The working languages of the camp are English and French. However, non-French
speaking volunteers are advised to have basic knowledge of French before arrival,
as French is the official language of Togo. Most local volunteers and community
members have limited English skills

Upon arrival at Lomé airport, a member of ASTOVOT in charge of volunteer reception will meet you and escort you to your accommodation in Lomé. The taxi fare between the airport and the hotel ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 CFA francs (approximately €7.5–13). Transport to Kpalimé is by bush taxi or minibus. The ASTOVOT headquarters serves as both the volunteer meeting point and the starting location of the workcamp. The distance between Lomé and Kpalimé is 121 km, with a travel time of about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.Taxi fares from Lomé to Kpalimé are around 3,000 CFA francs (~€5) at taxi parks, but additional charges are often requested. Volunteers are advised to pay 5,000 CFA francs to ensure the driver brings them directly to the ASTOVOT headquarters.