« My Health, My School : a collective challenge in Togo » : 7th Nyagbé festival at EPP Adjomayi

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Extract from the article: « Artistic approach, a vector for promoting a healthy, protective and fulfilling school environment » is the theme of phase 2 of the project « My Health, My School: A collective challenge in Togo » (MSME 2) led by La Chaîne de l'Espoir with the finan

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« Artistic approach, a vector for promoting a healthy, protective and fulfilling school environment » is the theme of phase 2 of the project « My Health, My School: A collective challenge in Togo » (MSME 2) led by La Chaîne de l'Espoir with the financial support of the French Development Agency (AFD) until 2025.  It was against this backdrop that the Nyagbe Festival of written, oral and artistic expression clubs was held on Friday 15 March 2024 at EPP Adjomayi (Golfe 4), a convivial and festive occasion that enabled pupils benefiting from the project to use art to tackle highly relevant subjects relating to school health.

Choreographed dances, sketches, readings, poetry and songs brought this 7th Festival of clubs for written, oral and artistic expression to life. All these means of expression were brilliantly used by the pupils to tackle several key themes: sexual and reproductive health (SRH), non-violence (NV), water, hygiene and sanitation (EHA), menstrual health and hygiene (SHM), prevention of addiction to psychoactive substances (ASP), prevention of domestic accidents (PAD).

« We thought we'd move this festival out of the extra-curricular environment and into the school environment, so that other pupils can benefit from the show and be inspired to do what their peers are doing. Through their show, the learners remind us that change is always possible, but at the same time that it is up to all of us to make efforts to ensure a healthy and fulfilling school environment for all Togolese learners », explained Espoir Datchidi, Head of the Togo-Benin Mission of Chaîne de l'Espoir.

The School Health Project Manager, Koffi DodziValentin Aziagbé, recalled the importance of the festival to the school curriculum of the beneficiary pupils. « These young learners are now committed actors for change within their school community.We've seen the clarity of the messages, the ease with which the children express themselves, the way they feel and the knowledge they have acquired about the different themes addressed in the project. We need to help children to guarantee their health so that they can flourish both at home and at school », he emphasised.

This 7th edition of the festival of clubs for written, oral and artistic expression will take place in two phases.After EPP Adjomayi for the 8 public primary schools benefiting from the project, the festival will also take place on 22 March 2024 at Lycée Tokoin II. This second phase will bring together the 8 other beneficiary public secondary schools.

William O.