In Togo, an innovative program called “Citizen Engagement Volunteers” (VEC) aims to combat the problems of civic and professional integration of young people who have dropped out of school or are under-educated. In the Lacs 1 commune, these young volunteers are helping to maintain the environment and improve the cleanliness of their town.
With their rakes and fangs, they attack green spaces and dirty places in the city. Their mission is clear: to make the city clean and pleasant to live in. It’s a way for them to find purpose and contribute to their community. “We do weeding, weeding, we maintain public gardens and green spaces. We also collect plastic waste” explains Essodewedeou, one of the civic engagement volunteers.
This program is a response to a major problem in Togo: that of young people dropping out of school, which risks excluding them socially. Faced with this observation, it is essential to find solutions to take care of these young people and help them reintegrate into society. The VEC program thus offers young people who are under-educated or out of school training in citizenship and republican values and allows them to acquire professional skills.
More than 6,500 young people are currently deployed in the country’s 117 municipalities, participating in activities of public interest. They receive an allowance which allows them to meet their needs during their engagement. However, it is important to note that some observers regret the lack of follow-up of young people once their period of engagement is over.
The VEC program constitutes a laudable initiative for Togolese youth, providing opportunities for personal and professional development. It allows young people to regain a sense of belonging to their community and to become agents of change. By encouraging citizen engagement, Togo hopes to contribute to the construction of a more united and responsible society.
In a context where dropping out of school and lack of opportunities can lead to social exclusion, it is crucial to increase this type of initiative to offer young people concrete alternatives and encourage them to get involved for the good of society. . The VEC program thus constitutes a step forward towards Togolese youth who are more fulfilled and active in building a better future.