History of the association
History of the association
Project: Aného Orphanage / Togo
2007
Partnership with Germany
Initial connection was established with the Aného Orphanage, where it was discovered that 20 children under the age of three were sharing a single classroom due to limited resources.
Yvette Fatsawo, a dedicated board member, made her first visit to the orphanage in Aného, marking the beginning of a longstanding partnership focused on improving living conditions and educational opportunities for the children.
Project: Aného Orphanage / Togo
2008
Constructed children’s beds at the orphanage, funded through a generous donation from board member Yvette Fatsawo, providing much-needed sleeping arrangements for young residents.
Partnership with Germany
Initiated the first donation drive in Germany to support the orphanage’s needs. Produced and distributed the first flyer to raise awareness and encourage further support for the Aného Orphanage.
Project: Aného Orphanage / Togo
2009
In 2009, the Aného Orphanage in Togo saw essential support through donations of milk powder and diapers, as well as critical medical assistance for a child who required a hospital stay. To further enhance care, a nurse was hired to tend to the daily health needs of the children.
Association work in Germany
In Germany, this year marked the formal establishment of the association Les Amis des Soeurs de Notre Dame de L’Eglise eV by seven dedicated founding members. Their commitment was further demonstrated by their first organised trip to Togo, strengthening ties with the orphanage and understanding its needs firsthand. Back home, the association launched its first homepage and flyer to raise awareness, introduced donation collection “pigs” in various locations, and proudly achieved non-profit status. This official recognition allowed the association to expand its support for the orphanage and engage more actively with the community.
Project: Aného Orphanage / Togo
2010
In 2010, significant developments took place for the Aného Orphanage in Togo. The association co-financed a new house for the children, contributing to the project’s total cost of approximately 11,000,000 CFA. This new home allowed children to transition from the primary school facility to a dedicated residential space, providing them with a more stable and comfortable environment. Additionally, the association facilitated the construction of a nurse’s room and a garage to support the orphanage’s daily needs and healthcare services.
Teamwork in Germany
In Germany, the association actively engaged the local community through presentations at various summer festivals, including a special family service event. Members and supporters undertook another impactful trip to Togo to strengthen their connection with the orphanage. This year also marked the association’s debut at the Africa Festival Hope Community in Frankfurt, where they shared their mission and encouraged support. During the holiday season, Christmas gift boxes were sent to the orphanage, and the association introduced its first sponsorship program, allowing individuals to directly support the needs of children in Aného.
Project: Aného Orphanage / Togo
2011
In 2011, the Aného Orphanage in Togo received crucial funding for infrastructure improvements, including the construction of sanitary facilities, a nurse’s room, and a garage, as well as additional beds and mattresses to better accommodate the children. Additionally, the association made a milk powder donation to the local hospital in Aného, extending their support to the broader community.
Teamwork in Germany
In Germany, the association formally changed its name to Les Amis des Enfants d’Aného eV, reflecting its commitment to the children of Aného. This year, two volunteers from Germany joined the project in Togo for a three-month period, directly contributing to on-the-ground efforts. To further support the orphanage, a donation campaign collected essential items such as soap, towels, and children’s shoes. The association also participated in its second Africa Festival Hope Community event, engaging new supporters. To fund future projects, they launched a building block campaign, inviting supporters to contribute toward ongoing development.
Project: Aného Orphanage / Togo
2012
In 2012, the Aného Orphanage in Togo benefited from multiple initiatives aimed at improving the children’s well-being. Some children received essential medical care on the Mercy Ship, a hospital ship operated by aid organisations. The association provided an Easter meal donation, adding a festive spirit to the children’s lives. This year also marked the start of relocating the orphanage to a larger property, although construction was still underway. Board member Steffi Junge spent five months on-site, teaching mothers and children vital skills, such as hygiene practices.
Teamwork in Germany
In Germany, the association’s support network grew. The building block campaign continued, while the Oschersleben Accordion Orchestra joined as a supporter, helping to raise funds. Members attended several summer festivals, flea markets, and the AfroKaribik Festival in Frankfurt to increase visibility and attract new donors. Additionally, Togolese members and supporters in Germany helped strengthen the association’s community ties. Steffi Junge also committed a semester in Togo, working directly with the orphanage. The association launched the “Right to Education” campaign, securing school fees for four girls, and organised donation boxes filled with essential supplies to be sent to Aného.
New Project: Marie-Reine de la Paix Orphanage / Lomé / Togo
2013
In 2013, the association launched a new project with the Marie-Reine de la Paix Orphanage in Lomé, Togo. Efforts began to locate a suitable house for the orphanage, with the association covering essential expenses such as rent, electricity, and water. Additionally, the medical station received support through in-kind donations, ensuring basic healthcare needs were met.
Teamwork in Germany
For the Aného Orphanage, the association continued its monthly food donations, funded by sponsorships. The building block campaign advanced, supporting the construction of a staircase and upper floor, which were vital for expanding the orphanage’s capacity. The association also remained active in Germany, organizing fundraisers at the third Africa Festival Hoffnungs Gemeinde in Frankfurt, flea markets at Sommerwerft, and a Christmas gift campaign in partnership with PME Family Service, bringing joy to the children and raising further support for the orphanage.
New Project: Marie-Reine de la Paix Orphanage / Lomé / Togo
2014
In 2014, the Marie-Reine de la Paix Orphanage in Lomé, Togo, made significant progress as a rental agreement was signed for a new house, with the move scheduled for October. The association covered the costs of essential items, including rent, electricity, water, and food, as well as medical donations and birth certificate issuance for the children. A Christmas dinner was organized to bring warmth and joy to the orphanage’s residents.
At the Aného Orphanage, the association found and financed a school for a young girl who is deaf, ensuring her access to appropriate education. Monthly food donations continued to support the orphanage’s needs, and a special Christmas dinner was held for the children and staff.
Teamwork in Germany
In Germany, association members organized another trip to Togo, strengthening their connection with the projects on the ground. The five-year anniversary of the Africa Festival, held at the Catholic Parish of St. Josef in Frankfurt, marked a milestone for the association’s outreach and fundraising efforts. Additionally, plans were set in motion to redesign the association’s homepage and flyers, including a translation into French to expand accessibility and communication.
Project: Aného Orphanage / Togo
2015
New Project: Marie-Reine de la Paix Orphanage / Lomé / Togo
Teamwork in Germany
In 2015, both the Aného Orphanage and the Marie-Reine de la Paix Orphanage in Lomé, Togo, continued to benefit from the association’s ongoing support. Board member Yvette Fatsawo made a dedicated trip to Togo to strengthen relationships and provide hands-on assistance.
The association in Germany saw its membership grow to 32 active members, expanding its community support. Volunteers from the graphic and IT sectors contributed their expertise to create a new brochure and revamp the homepage, enhancing the association’s outreach and communication efforts.