Why am I talking about Japan?  Well, some months ago, Claire Quenum had approached the Japanese Government regarding a cassava milling project.  She had  traveled to the Ivory Coast to meet with the Japanese Ambassador.  Their Embassy covers many of the West African countries, including Togo.  She asked that they fund a cassava milling project that would involve four villages in Togo, including Dédékè.  The Japanese Government agreed to fund the project.

Of course, this was before the massive earthquake and tsunami.  If ever there was a reason to back out, this would be it.  But they have honored their commitment.  The project has been funded and is moving ahead.  The location for the building has been secured and the sand for making the cement bricks has been delivered.

The new building will house the mill as well as a place to dry the product before it is milled.  Once the cassava is milled, they can  sell the meal.  They will also be able to charge other people for milling their cassava.  They will have both a product and a service to provide to others.  Another part of the project is to train the villagers in how to maintain and repair the mill.  This is exactly the kind of program we feel will most benefit them and create a self-sustaining community.

Claire also reports that the women’s committee has opened their own bank account.  The President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the committee are in charge of the account.  Little by little they are saving money by selling goods at the Dédékè  Thursday market.  Once the mill is up and running, they will have another product to offer.

What an Improvement!

Here is that photo as promised…  Remember what they had before?

Cheers,

Natalie

Hello from Togo!

The trip over was extremely long. Lots of waiting for flights and being told wrong terminals which caused me to run around like a chicken without a head. But I made it safe and sound. I was carrying a duffel of medical supplies which also made it with no hassle.  This was possible because of the most wonderful woman, Janice Walker.  She heads up an orgaization in Chico, CA called Project S.A.V.E.  This organization sends medical supplies all over the world.  She is also helping to send a cargo container to Togo.  It should arrive in about 2 -3 weeks. 

We were able to get the medical supplies to a young doctor fresh out of medical school.  He was thrilled!  Now he will have some of the basic things he will need to treat patients.

The first day Paul (our liaison officer) took me to Dédékè to see the school and latrines. The first three classrooms are being used daily. The school looks good. There are a couple of minor adjustments needed, but that will be taken care of. The latrines are up and also in use.

Last night I had my first real taste of Togo during the rainy season. Thank goodness I was tucked safely in my room. First was the thunder. You know how you count from the flash — one, one thousand; two, one thousand: to see how far away the lightning is? Well, let’s just say that I got as far as “one.” The thunder was right on top of us. It felt like there were amplifiers outside the windows. During the storm “concert,” the rain was coming down in buckets. At one point it looked like there was a strobe light going off, the flashes were coming that fast. Of course, this meant we had no electricity. After about an hour and a half, it let up and I was able to drift off to sleep.

Today was hot and very humid, but no rain so far. I returned to Dédékè with Eléonore (one of our Togolese advisors) and her sister Geneviève Akedjo. Geneviève is a dentist, and she gave the children a lesson in dental hygiene as well as examining all the children’s teeth. Geneviève works with an organization called Géanos.  They do humanitarian work with the poor and phyisically challenged. 

I have taken photos, but the internet connection kicks me off every time I try to post them.  I will keep trying, and let you know when it is up!

Cheers,

Natalie

Here are the pictures!  We are excited about Phase II’s completion.

We also wanted you to know that Natalie will be visiting the village May 17, 2011.  She will have up-to-the-minute reports to share.  Thank you for your continued interest and support.  Love the feedback!