What Was the Problem?
Schools across Djarkpanga and its surrounding villages continue to face severe shortages of basic educational resources. Many classrooms lack proper seating, forcing children to stand or sit on the floor during lessons. Families experiencing poverty are often unable to provide essential school materials such as books, bags and stationery, leaving children without the tools they need to learn effectively. Harsh weather conditions further damage unprotected books, making it even harder for students to keep up with their studies.
These challenges create significant barriers to learning, attendance, and long‑term educational success for vulnerable children across the region.
How Did DDDT Help?
On 8th May 2026, DDDT Charity trustees Abdoumalik and Mouftaou led a major distribution initiative across Djarkpanga, KPNGANDÉ, and GNEZIMDÉ, delivering:
- School benches and seating
- School books
- Durable book bags
- Stationery
A total of 170 vulnerable children received support across all schools in the region.
This distribution was made possible through the generous donation of school books, bags and stationery from Dave and Sue formerly of Kip McGrath Education Centre Derby South, long‑standing partners who previously supported over 100 children in 2021 and 2022. Their continued commitment enabled DDDT to expand its reach significantly in 2026.
The event was officially supported by Nlamabe Koffi, Adjoint for the Mayor of Djarkpanga (Mô 1, Togo), ensuring strong coordination with local schools and community leaders.
Why School Furniture Matters
Many schools in the region still lack adequate seating. Each locally manufactured bench costs £30 and allows several children to sit comfortably during lessons. By providing new benches, DDDT directly improved classroom learning conditions and helped reduce the number of children forced to learn in unsafe or uncomfortable environments.
Why Books, Bags, and Stationery Matter
The donated books, protective bags, and essential stationery ensure that children can:
- Keep their learning materials organised
- Protect books from rain and severe weather
- Participate fully in lessons with the right resources
- Access basic writing tools that many families cannot afford
This support is especially vital for orphans and children from families facing economic hardship, helping them stay engaged in school and giving them the tools they need to succeed.
What Have the Outcomes Been?
Immediate Benefits
- 170 children now have proper seating, improving concentration and comfort during lessons
- Students received books, protective bags, and stationery, helping them care for their learning materials
- Schools across Djarkpanga, KPNGANDÉ, and GNEZIMDÉ benefited from improved resources and infrastructure
Long‑Term Educational Impact
- Better attendance and retention as children feel equipped and supported
- Improved academic performance through organised study materials and better classroom conditions
- Increased motivation among students, building on the success of previous DDDT distributions that rewarded academic achievement
Community Impact
- Strengthened collaboration between the UK diaspora, local government, and Togolese schools
- Reinforced trust in DDDT as a reliable partner for educational development
- Demonstrated the power of international partnerships, with Dave and Sue’s generosity directly transforming children’s lives
Challenges Addressed
This initiative tackled several long‑standing issues in the region:
- Insufficient school infrastructure, including lack of seating and classrooms
- Poverty‑related barriers, preventing families from providing basic school supplies
- Weather‑related damage to books due to lack of protective bags
- Limited access to educational resources for vulnerable children, including orphans and those from low‑income households
Acknowledgements
DDDT Charity expresses heartfelt thanks to:
- Dave and Sue for their ongoing generosity and commitment to education in Djarkpanga
- Nlamabe Koffi, representing the Mayor of Djarkpanga, for official support and coordination
- Teachers and school administrators across all participating schools for identifying vulnerable beneficiaries
- The Djarkpanga community for their warm welcome and active involvement
- Trustees Abdoumalik and Mouftaou for their dedication and hands‑on leadership throughout the distribution
Visit our Fundraising Page to see how you can support the purchase of additional benches and explore our other fundraising initiatives.
