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About Togo
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The Peace Corps first began its journey in Togo in 1962 at the invitation of the Togolese government. Since then, more than 3,100 Volunteers have served in this vibrant and welcoming country. While training models and projects have evolved over the years, one thing remains unchanged, the profound rewards of being a Volunteer.
In Togo, Volunteers work hand-in-hand with communities to advance the three goals of the Peace Corps. They provide technical support in Agriculture, Education and Health, share U.S. culture, and immerse themselves in the traditions and customs of Togolese life. Volunteers don’t just work and serve in communities, they become part of them, often living in rural and remote areas where authentic connections flourish.
The Peace Corps’ history in Togo is built on collaboration and trust. Volunteers strengthen partnerships with local counterparts (work partners), focusing on practical, low-cost solutions that maximize local resources. Working alongside community members and organizations, both local and international, to create lasting impact and shared success.
Serving in Togo is not without challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable. Many Volunteers join to make a difference for others, and they do. Yet most leave with a powerful realization: they have gained far more than they ever imagined, new skills, lifelong friendships, and a deeper understanding of the world.
Volunteer satisfaction, health, and safety
- Annual Volunteer Survey satisfaction results [PDF]
- Health and medical care summary [PDF]
- Crime, harassment, and early termination of service [PDF]
Partners
Below are some of the organizations and agencies the Peace Corps works with in Togo.
Government of Togo
The government of Togo is the Peace Corps’ priority partner. This partnership strengthens Peace Corps/Togo’s ability to achieve its mission to “promote world peace and friendship.” The partnership supports program priorities, objectives, delivery and impact of Volunteers and the communities they serve. Peace Corps/Togo’s four government counterpart agencies are briefly described below:
Ministry of National Education (MEN)
The Peace Corps collaborates with MEN to:
- Teach English in middle schools
- Promote activities for boys and girls inside and outside the classroom
- Contribute to the professional development of teachers through training on interactive and participatory teaching methods.
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, and Food Sovereignty
In partnership with the Ministry, Peace Corps works to promote sustainable agricultural techniques and practices to families and communities in order to improve food security and nutrition.
Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene, Universal Health Coverage Access and Insurance
Peace Corps works with the Ministry to expand community-based interventions in rural areas to improve the health of individuals and communities, particularly mothers and children.
ICAT (Institut de Conseil et d'Appui Technique)
ICAT is the Togolese government agricultural extension agency and a Peace Corps partner with whom Agriculture Volunteers collaborate to fulfill their mission at the community level.
ANVT (Agence Nationale du Volontariat au Togo)
ANVT is a government agency that deploys each year thousands of volunteers with various backgrounds to help the host organizations pursuing its mission of developing human resources and contributing to the improvement of living conditions for Togolese. Peace Corps collaborates with ANVT to promote volunteering in Togo.
Non-governmental partners
Peace Corps/Togo’s program managers for Agriculture, Education, and Health work with local and international non-governmental organizations whose areas of operation align with its programmatic priorities. Peace Corps/Togo works with the following organizations, often through the placement of Volunteers and/or Virtual Service Participants.
Pathways Togo
Pathways Togo was created by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to support girls' education through a scholarship and mentoring program.
Aklala Batik Togo
This organization empowers disadvantaged adolescent girls and women by creating a social network to strengthen life skills and providing free residential vocational training. Participants can enroll in a one-year batik cloth dyeing program or a tailoring Program-a three-year program focusing on sewing techniques.
Integrate Health Togo
Integrate Health started its journey in Togo in 2004 promoting quality healthcare services delivered to mothers and children in communities across five districts (Kéran, Kozah, Binah, Bassar, Dankpen) in the Kara region of Togo.
Peace Corps Togo partners to Integrate Health through Volunteer placement.
ESGIS (Ecole Supérieure de Gestion d'Informatique et des Sciences)
The Advanced School of Management for Information Technology and Science prepares its students to become dynamic executives in private companies and in the public sector. ESGIS offers bachelor's and master's degrees and coursework includes computer science, management, economics, and banking law.
GRAPHE (Groupe Chrétien de Recherche Action pour la Promotion Humaine)
The Christian Group for Research and Action for Human Promotion aims to improve quality of life through participatory community development programs involving women, socio-economic disadvantaged populations, and people with disabilities.
Kailend Farm
Kailend operates a farm serving as training center for sustainable agriculture and a destination for agrotourism. Kailend’s goals are three-fold: training young farmers on integrated organic farming, processing, animal husbandry, waste recycling; educate local children from the surrounding communities on sustainable organic farming approaches/practices; and provide high-quality organic crops and processed food to the local market at affordable prices.
AJDID (Actions des Jeunes pour un Développement Intégral et Durable)
The organization Youth Actions for Integral and Sustainable Development seeks to improve quality of life through participatory community development programs involving women and socio-economic disadvantaged populations in Togo. AJDID’s goals are threefold: empowering rural community members through sustainable agricultural and income-generating activities; improving community wellbeing through basic access to water and sanitation facilities; and promoting human rights.
AJVDT (Association des Jeunes Vaillants pour le Développement de Tône)
The Association of Valiant Young People for the Development of Tone is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Tône District of Togo’s Savanes Region of Togo through participatory community development programs. AJVDT’s goals are twofold: empowering women and youth through sustainable agricultural and income-generating activities; improving community sanitation via waste management and environmental health initiatives.
Resources
Peace Corps service is a life-changing experience, and no two Volunteers experience their service in exactly the same way. Check out some of the links below to learn more about Togo and Volunteers experiences in the country.
To find information about countries around the world, including social and political history, travel information, and U.S. embassy websites.
National Peace Corps Association (NPCA)
NPCA is made up of Returned Volunteers. You can find links to the “friends of” groups for most countries of service on the NCPA website.
Peace Corps/Togo's pre-departure online platform serves as a one-stop shop for all Volunteers.