REPORT 2017

Personal Impressions

The distribution of above goods was fully conducted by the PROJEKT WEST-AFRIKA e.V Germany in collaboration with our on-site partners in Togo (ONG CEAPIC, SWALLO, etc.) and the ONG Projekt West-Afrika – Togo.

The distribution was this time very interesting with warm welcome in all villages, schools and cities of Togo. The distribution was done by the NGO PROJEKT WEST-AFRIKA e.V with its partners and sometimes with some local authorities. Some distributions were organized followed by a football tournament with cups called: friendship tournament. Some of the distributions were organized as events or cultural activity with traditional dances. I am very proud as President of the NGO, I sincerely take this opportunity to thank with all my heart; Global Aid Network Giessen for their support and help our NGO PROJEKT WEST-AFRIKA e.V, to assist vulnerable people and orphans in Togo.

Due to the delay of the container and the current socio-political crisis in Togo disrupted and slowed our distribution this time. In brief about the crisis in Togo Since August 2017, the Togolese opposition has mobilized thousands of supporters in the streets of Lome and other cities to challenge President Faure Gnassingbe, who has been in power since 2005, after almost 40 years of his father's reign over the country. The protesters demand constitutional reforms and the resignation of the head of state. The Togolese opposition continues to put pressure by organizing demonstrations to demand a return to the 1992 Constitution and the departure of President Faure Gnassingbé. Meanwhile, preparations for a dialogue continue. The Ghanaian delegation left on Wednesday, November 15th. She met the head of state and a delegation of 14 opposition parties. On Friday, Alpha Condé, as President of the African Union, reaffirmed his readiness to resolve the crisis in Togo and will receive in the coming days the various actors of the Togolese crisis, including the opposition parties. What form could this dialogue take? Little information is filtering. Following the appeasement of the Togolese politicians, we started the distributions. Your Stories (Attach additional pages, if necessary): The 12.10.2017, the delegation of the Projekt West-Afrika e.V. (composed of: Mr. Akoete Sodogas, Mr. Dela Tossou, Mr. Totoné Amede and Mr. Idrissou Sanoussi) took the road to the north togo with some materials of Global Aid Network of Giessen, to attend orphans and vulnerable populations in the North Region of Togo. Kara is a city in northern Togo, situated in Kara Region, 413 km north of the capital Lomé. Kara is the capital of the Kara region and, according to the 2010 census, had a population of 94,878. The Kara River flows through the city and is its main resource of water. Originally known as Lama-Kara, the city developed from the village of this name that still exists into an administrative centre. Etienne Eyadéma was born in the nearby village of Piya. Kara includes a busy market place, numerous hotels, banks, the Prefecture, a brewery and the Congress Hall which was the seat of the Rally of the Togolese People Party before the advent of democracy. Niamtougou International Airport is located 40 kilometers north of Kara. This time we targeted three villages or towns in the Kara region. It is the Village of Lassa-Bas, Tomdè and the Village of Tcharé on the mountain, because those are villages or townships that live in the mountains and are vulnerable people who really need help. Village Lassa-Bas Geography: Lassa-Bas is located about 48 km from Kara, in the Kara region Population: 13421 inhabitants; density: 240 inhabitants / km2 Economic life: Traditional market on Tuesday Public Places: Primary School; dispensary The 13.10.2017, after the breakfast we took way with 4 members of our partner of the NGO CEAPIC (Mr POBOZE, Mr Patrick, Mr JOE and Miss ODETTE) First destination: Health care of Lassa-Bas where we gave canes, sugars and medical materials. we gave hand-to-hand sugars to women who gave birth, old and sick.

After Lassa-Bas village Lassa-Bas, where the population and the local authorities are waiting for us impatiently, as well as the authorities of the primary school and their pupils, Without forgetting the librarian of the village. It is a very warm welcome with traditional tam-tam accompanied by traditional dances to welcome us to their village Lassa-Bas. The library was built by Dr Awoade to the population, to help the population of this village. But the library does not have a printer and computer. The pupils of this village are obliged to go 20 km to print in the city. On this project West-Afrika e.V. spontaneously decided to pay for a second-hand computer and with the two printouts of the Global Aid Network Giessen offered them to avoid these 20-km-long suffrances to the children In the Projekt West-Afrika e.V. team, we have IT Technician who directly installed the computer and the prints in the library.

After the library, we shared school supplies and children's clothes from the first to the sixth class. To point out that each class contains more than 100 students in this school. As this time we only have 96 school bags. The particularity of this distribution is that the 96 school bags were delivered directly to the children on the basis of the following criteria: the top 16 in each class, including the top 6 girls and the 10 left behind by children, are orphaned, vulnerable or children in real precarious situations. To the great satisfaction of the children, the teaching staff, the local authorities and the inhabitants of the villages. They did not fail to thank the generous donors and prayed for the prosperity of their activities and for this kind of action to continue. Apart from that, we shared clothes, shoes and sugars, hand to hand to the villagers of Lassa-bas finally to avoid problems to the local authorities on the spot. Because there were people we cannot satisfy everyone. But thank goodness the villagers are very understandable. The Headmaster turns to me and asks me very softly: "Excuse me, but may I ask you something? Will you be able to support us further? After today's donation, we still need more support for the clothes, school bags, shoes and books, etc…" During the time we stand outside, the children leave the schoolroom and each one of them thanks for the support and the clothes and shoes. Immediately ask us when we will come back. Some come towards us, and while several try to hug me, some of them accompany us to the bus and do not want to let us go, because they just do not understand that I have to go unfortunately... So much joy, bright eyes and laughter, I have not seen or experienced for a long time. I've experienced a lot in the last fifteen years, but what I have to experience here breaks my heart, goes deep inside me and never lets go. Tcharé village Tcharé is located about 51 km north of Kara, in the Kara region Population: 13,986 inhabitants. Economic life: Farmer's cooperative; Livestock market Public Places: High School, Elementary School and Public Library. The same day, in the afternoon (14 hours) we left Kara the city, our base place for Tcharé. Arrived at Tcharé in the mountain, we met the local authorities, as the African custom requires.

After a short speech by the chairman of the NGO Projekt West-Afrika e.V. Mr. Sodogas, we started distributing the donations to the villagers. This distribution was hectic because of fear of some villagers not to take donations. Tomdè Village: about 15 Km to the east of Kara city, with around 20.000 inhabitants. Economic life: Livestock market, Farmer Public Places: High School, Elementary School, public place and Public Library. From Tcharé, we quickly took the road on Tomdè before sunset. With an unexpected crowd, because our donations brought cannot hurt the villagers of Tomdè. But by the grace of God we were able to give what we brought and promised to help them for the next donation. We left at 6 pm Tomdè for our base in kara city with a lot of satisfations. After the dinner, we made the point or the report of the day and directly prepared the donations for the next day. The following day, on 14.10.2017 we visited the Kara National Center for Equipment and Orthopedics (CENAO) and the Center for the Blind. Where, we have donated some donations of materials to the Director of CENAO and his Staff. In turn, the director thanked us for these unexpected donations and thanked the donor and hoped for more donations for the next time, as there are too many needs for the elderly, the wounded and the handicapped. After refreshments with drinks, we headed to center of the blind of Kara, where we handed a box of notebooks. And on 15.10.2017, we returned to Lomé with joy and satisfaction, because we fulfilled our mission to help the Vulnerable, orphans, disabled, needy and especially young girls to encourage them to go to school. Football Tournament festival Named: „Friendship Tournament“ 21.10.2017 at the NGO SWALLOWS Football field in Lomé and for the first time in the pitch of the NGO Projekt West – Afrika e.V. was organized an 8-team tournament, composed of the team of: - Orphanage Agoè - Orphanage Salvador - Orphanage swallows - Orphanage Amoutiéve - Orphanage les Hirondelles - Orphanage Hédzranawoé - Orphanage Kégué - Orphanage Djagblé Festival of the football tournament aims, and is organized to young orphans in order to motivated them more in the sport, encouraged them in their studies. In short, help them psychologically overcome their daily difficulties. I take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. Thomas Steffens and Globale Aid Network for these opportunity donations for these children in difficulty. In the morning, starting at 8 o'clock, we started the playoffs of the machts with a quarter-final, after the semi-final and the final. The Media coverage of the final of this festival was made by Togolese national television (TVT) and sports radio with over 1000 visitors. Given the huge amount of donations with new shoes, new footballs, brand new sport clothes, school supplies and sugars, all the teams did their best, but in the end it's the orphanage Salvador and the orphanage of the NGO Swallows who could have the ticket for the final. The final with cups and footballs, sports clothes, shoes and school supplies and sugars etc., was mediatized live by sports radios and in the 20 Hours newspaper by national television (TVT). It was the Swallows orphans who won the cup with a lot of donations. Noting that, all 8 teams received each donation. And each center also received their donations. All supporters as well as other centers solicit and have grievances that if this activity can take place all summer holidays. 25.10.2017, 2 hours 25 min. drive around 167.7 km via the road N1, we visited the Orphanage: Village of joy in Atakpamé. We gave donations to this orphanage, such as Toy Cartons and Baby Food. Where in front of us some baby food was given to children by some of our group and some volunteers on the spot. We were very happy to participate and attend the children's lunch. These Baby Foods had just come on time and it will help a lot these kids who lack vitamin deficiencies. As well as the 09.11.2017 of baby food donations to the Orphenage: Pouponnière Sainte Claire of Tokoin Lomé. For the centers, it is strictly forbidden to take pictures. Then they are obliged to give us a letter of thanks to go back to GAIN of Giessen. Translation of the letter: To the Heads of the Gain Global Association of Giessen, Germany Object: thank you letter Gentlemen of the Gain Global association, the Sainte Claire Pouponnière wishes to express on these lines its great joy for your generosity shown in favor of the children living in this structure. Indeed we have received with joy your various donations made of food and other materials useful for the children of our structure through Dr. Sodoga and I would like to thank you on behalf of the children etc. Medical Equipment Delivery at CHR-LC Hospital In the morning of 09.10.2017 we donated medical materials. These are medical equipment and hospital beds, ultrasound scanners, etc. at the Regional Hospital Center of Lomé -commune (CHR -LC) in the presence of the Staff of the center. The day, from 02.11.2017 we made our last donations 35 km from Lomé to orphan children of the NGO CEHBED of Adetikopé. It is a center with 310 Orphans. This center has a primary and secondary school, a doctory for children, etc. But who still depends on donations from donors of all kinds to help these children. It is a center that not only cares for orphans and abandoned children, but also for traumatized and abused children of all kinds. That's why we decided to support this center as well. We would like to thank Global Aid Network (Gain) Giessen and in particular Mr. Thomas Steffen, Miss Silvia Huth, Mr. Jens and all the personal Gain of their supports to the NGO Projekt West – Afrika e.V. and for all your support, your great commitment and the help and of course hope for further donations and cooperation. All the people who collect gifts tell you: "never to give up on your dreams and your passion and to always continue to help others in suffering”. Thank you very much. But it is the Lord alone who will give you the great thanks.

ZWISCHEN MEDIKAMENTENMANGEL UND LEBENSFREUDE

Im Juli 2017 haben wir 40 HQ Container von Deutschland nach Togo verschiffen, drin waren Vielen gesammelten Spenden und zwar die Pflegewagen von SCAN MODUL Orgasystem GmbH, die Krankenbetten, Nachschräken,   Ultraschall – Geräte von Uni-klinikum Gießen, Schulranzen von Gain-global in Gießen, Verbandszeug von Firma Paul-Hartmann, Firma Ferrero, Medizinische Materialien von Bundeswehr Ministerium,   etc. 

BERICHT DER SOMMERREISE 2017 VON PAULINE GÄRTNER aus Universität Göttingen

Als jetzige Humanmedizin Studentin  möchte ich von meinen Aufenthalt berichten.

Ich erhielt eine E-Mail von Uni., die mich auf das „ Projekt Westafrika e.V.“ aufmerksam machte, zwei Monate später saß ich mit acht weitere Medizinstudenten und dem Vereinvorsitzenden Herr Akoete Sodogas im Flugzeug nach Lomé. In der Hauptstadt Togos arbeiten wir in unseren Semesterferien im dortigen Universitätskranken.

Vor uns lagen acht Wochen voller neuer Eindrucke und unvergesslicher Erlebnisse. Das Westafrikanische Togo liegt zwischen Burkina Faso, Ghana, und Benin am Golf von Guinea. Wir wohnten in der Drei-Millionenhauptstadt Lomé, die direkt am Meer liegt.

 Zunächst einmal müssten wir die Temperaturen gewöhnen, denn bei knapp 40 Grad Celsius und höher Luftfeuchtigkeit schwitz  man schon von Nichtstun. An ein erfrischendes Bad im Meer war aufgrund der starken Unterströmung leider nicht zu denken, aber die traumhaften Strände waren trotzdem immer einen Ausflug wert.

Eine weitere Umstellung war das togolesische Krankensystem. Meine Erfahrungen sammelte ich im Universitätsklinikum in Lomé, welches immer gut ausgelastet war, obwohl die Patienten in der Regel alle Kosten selbst tragen müssten. Eine Krankenversicherung wie hier in Deutschland, gibt es nicht. Auch im Notfall muss die Behandlung  im Voraus bezahlt werden. Erst dann widmet sich der Arzt  seiner Arbeit. Im Zweifel bedeutet dies also leine Bezahlung –  keine Behandlung. Deshalb ist mir zum Beispiel die Wundversorgung eines Unfallopfers besonders in Erinnerung geblieben. Sein Verband wurde nicht vollständig gewechselt, da er nicht genügend eigene Kompressen dabeihatte. So konnte die Weiterbehandlung erst am nächstes Tag erfolgen, als er neues Verbandsmaterial besorgt hatte.

Frau Paulina Gärtner übergit die Sachspenden an der Leiter des Regional Krankenhaus von Lomé

Da die Togolesen meist mehr große Familien mit starkem Zusammenhalt haben, legen dann alle etwas von ihrem Geld zusammen, um für die Behandlung des Verletzten Verwandten aufzukommen.

Aus der Familiensituation resultiert auch der zweite große Unterschied zum deutschen Krankenhausalltag: Um die Komplette Pflege, also das Waschen, Anziehen und zur Toilette bringen des Patienten und das leibliche Wohl, kümmern sich die Angehörigen. Nicht selten nächtigten Verwandte auf den Fluren, um ihren Kranken Familienangehörigen jederzeit zu Hilfe kommen zu können. Die Pfleger des Krankenhauses können sich deshalb durchgehend um die medizinische Versorgung der Patienten kümmern. Je nach Dienstplan waren sie auch im OP-Saal oder zum Blutabnehmen eingeteilt:

Da die Behandelnden Ärzte keine  Computer haben, ist jeder Patient verpflichtet, ein  Heftchen mitzubringen, in das der Arzt Befunde und Untersuchungen eintragen muss. So haben die weiterbehandelnden Ärzte auch die Möglichkeit, die Krankheitsgeschichte des Patienten zu überfliegen.

Schon vor Antritt der Reise hörte ich, dass es in Togo an vielen Medikamenten und medizinischen Apparaten mangelt. Jeder Pfleger und Arzt freute sich sehr über ein Fläschchen Desinfektionsmittel, das in Togo nur sehr schwer zu bekommen ist. Auch Patienten wären erleichtert, wenn sie die Handschuhe für Ihre Operation oder den Verbandswechselt nicht zahlen  mussten, sondern auf unsere in Deutschland gesammelten Spenden  zurückgreifen durften.

Erstaunt war ich, als es sogar im Klinikum zu einem Wasserausfall kam und es keine Notversorgung gab. Deshalb konnten zwei Tage lang keine Operationen stattfinden. Die Patienten bleiben aber gelassen und kamen einfach später für Ihre OP in das Krankenhaus zurück. Diese positive Einstellung der Togolesen hat mich besonders in diesen Augenblicken sehr beeindruckt. Anstatt sich aufzuregen nahmen sie das Unvermeidliche geduldig hin.

Ich arbeitete in der Traumatologie, wo die Behandlung von Wunden und Verletzungen im Vordergrund steht. Und davon gibt es allemal genug in Togo: Die meisten Togolesen können sich aus finanziellen Gründen, wenn überhaupt nur ein Motorrad leisten. Weil die Straßen schlecht ausgebaut sind, kommt es häufig zu Unfällen. Außerdem scheint es eine ungeschriebene Verkehrsregel zu geben, dass derjenige, der zuerst fährt und laut hupe Vorfahrt hat. Leider  funktioniert das nicht immer. Die Verkehrsteilnehmer tragen zudem oft nur  Sandalen, dünnen Bekleidung und keinem Helm. Die Station ist voll von Unfallopfern, die oftmals auch erst Wochen nach ihrem Unfall mit starken Entzündungen kommen. Die für sie hohen anfallendes kosten halten sie zuvor meist davon ab. So waren dort ganz andere Verletzungen zu sehen als die, die man hierzulande kennt, wenn Verwundete direkt einen Arzt aufsuchen und sich unverzüglich behandeln lassen können.  

Durch das Projekt hatte ich auch die Möglichkeit, Afrika hautnah mitzuerleben. An den Wochenenden machten wir die Ausflüge in das Nachbarland Benin und in den wunderschonen Norden Togos. Wir besuchten ein Gesundheitszentrum  von Lassa,  wo sich die  Mitarbeiter sehr über einige Sachspenden und Medikamente aus Deutschland treibe. Außerdem halt ich nachmittags in mehreren Kinderheimen. Der Besuch eines Dorfs für Leprakranke verdeutlichte mir wie wichtig die medizinische Aufklärung ist. Erkrankte nicht wie Aussätzige zu behandeln. Neben der medizinischen Hilfe, macht sich das Projekt auch für Waisenkinder, die Umwelt und Zukunftschancen für Benachteiligte stark. So ist zum Beispiel der Aufbau  eines Kinderheims in Lomé in Arbeit Dorf werden noch etwas 10.000 Euro für den Dachaufbau und die Möblierung benötigt. Bei Spenden ist sichergestellt, dass diese Komplett bei den Bedürftigen und Menschen mit Behinderungen ankommen.

Der Vorstandsvorsitzende, der gebürtige aus Togo stammt und in Marburg blebt und studiert, übergibt die Spenden bei seinen halbjährlichen Hilfseinsetzen persönlich.

Über jede Spende dankbar ist das Projekt West-Afrika (PWA) e.V. das über ein Konto bei der VOLKSBANK MITTELHESSEN; IBAN: DE76 5139 0000 0019 2274 05, verfügt.

Die Erlebnisse in Togo waren für mich eine große Bereicherung! Ich war Beeindruckt darüber, wie dankbar, positiv und freundlich die meisten Togolesen trotz der Widrigkeiten, Armut und Krankheiten waren. Trotz der Materialmangels und Wasserausfälle, ließen sich die Klinikumsangestellten nicht demotivieren und gaben Tag für Tag ihr Bestes, mit den begrenzten Mitteln Leben zu retten.

Durch meinen Aufenthalt habe ich Dinge, die mir hier alltäglich erscheinen, zu schätzen gelernt. Unser Gesundheitssystem, das es jedem ermöglicht, sofort behandelt zu werden, sehe ich nun mit anderen Augen. Außerdem habe ich viel von der Freundlichkeit, positiven Einstellung und Herzlichkeit der Menschen dort mitgenommen.

Spenden Übergabe an der Universitätskrankenhaus von Lomé