What was the Problem?
In the Djarkpanga local area, there are many needs for the children and young adults to improve their basic education and educational outcomes. This ranges from school buildings to ensuring every child has the ability to attend school and helping children just do better in school. This has a lifelong benefit to the child and their subsequent life choices. See the Advancement of Education in Djarkpanga page for further background information. The specific issue described here was a lack of resources such as basic stationery, books and bags. These are simple things that we take for granted but are in short supply. They make a big difference to enabling the children to learn and pursue their education.
How did DDDT help?
In the spring of 2025, Dave and Sue of Kip McGrath Education Centre Derby South made a generous donation to DDDT. They provided the funds and the local education leaders decided that providing books, bags and stationery such as pens, pencils, rulers and erasers to students would be the most appropriate use of the donation. Books, bags and stationery were provided to 160 of the best-performing students within Primary School through to Higher Secondary School. The story of the receipt of these gifts in Djarkpanga schools is described below by the local community.
On Friday, May 16, 2025, at precisely 9:05 AM, a three-member delegation from the Djarkpanga diaspora, based in Lomé, convened at EPP Plateau in Djarkpanga to launch a meaningful initiative — the distribution of gifts to the best-performing students across all educational institutions in Djarkpanga. This noble gesture extended from primary school pupils to senior high school students, including orphans and underprivileged children. A total of 160 students benefited from this generous donation.
The ceremony officially began at 9:06 AM after we received the blessing of Mr. ANAKPA Mani, the Prefect, who, due to pressing engagements, was unable to attend in person but gave us his full support to proceed. Mr. KLOUN Baye, the Mayor of Djarkpanga, currently traveling outside the commune, conveyed his encouragement and solidarity, despite his absence. The Inspector General, who had expressed his intention to attend, was unfortunately detained at the last moment by the ongoing mock exams for the CEPD.
The event commenced in the presence of two key local figures: Mr. ADOULI Arouna, President of the Parents’ Association, and Mr. BALI Manzama Esso, Principal of Djarkpanga High School, both of whom actively participated from start to finish.
Following the initial ceremony at EPP Plateau, the delegation proceeded to visit all public and private schools in Djarkpanga, distributing identical gifts to the top-performing students in each institution. The reception in every school was warm and heartfelt. School authorities and students alike expressed deep gratitude and conveyed their warmest greetings to the donors, offering prayers that God Almighty bless and reward them a hundredfold.
The event concluded with closing remarks from both the Parents’ Association President and the High School Principal, who asked that their most sincere and fraternal greetings be passed on to the donors. The people of Djarkpanga expressed a strong desire to one day welcome and meet these generous benefactors in person in Djarkpanga, the capital of the prefecture.
May they enjoy long life, and may we meet again.
DDDT received the following thank you from the Headteacher at the school where the donations were provided:
Dear Esteemed Members of the DDDT Charity,
On behalf of Prefer Anakpa Mani ,Headteacher Manzama Esso , Mr. Mayon Kouloum Baye , together with Mr. Adouli Arouna and the entire School Management Committee, wish to extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude for your generous donations and unwavering support to all the schools across the Djarkpanga area.
Your charitable contributions have brought immense joy and meaningful change to our educational environment. From the provision of school supplies to your thoughtful outreach to orphans and vulnerable children, your actions demonstrate true compassion and commitment to uplifting our communities.
We are especially grateful for the special gifts awarded to pupils who achieved top grades in their classes. Recognizing and rewarding excellence in this way not only encourages academic achievement but also builds confidence and motivation in our students.
Your kindness is making a lasting impact, and we are proud to count DDDT among our valued partners in education and community development. May your efforts continue to bring hope and transformation wherever you reach.
With heartfelt thanks,
Prefer Anakpa Mani, Mr. Mayon Koulom Baye, Headteacher, Bali Manzama Esso
Mr. Adouli Arouna, Committee Member
On behalf of the School Management Committee, Djarkpanga.
What have the outcomes been?
The additional resources provided to the local community have enabled 160 students to have the right stationery tools and books to progress their education. The positive impact of this will be felt for many years to come as these children learn in school and reach adulthood being able to make a better contribution to their local community and economy. The well-being of these students has also increased beyond measure. With the book bags, many students have been encouraged to improve their educational outcomes whilst also demonstrating to the whole community the benefits of a better educational outcome.
