Peace Corps

Camp UNITE

The organizing team for Camp UNITE 2009 was pleased to host United States Ambassador Patricia Hawkins at the August 15 girl’s camp closing ceremony. Planned every year by a team of Togolese NGO’s representatives and Peace Corps Volunteers, Camp UNITE (Unification de la Nation: Initiative, Travail, et Education) is a series of weeklong summer camps for motivated Togolese students and apprentices from villages and cities throughout the country.  The camps are single-gender and give participants the opportunity to take part in discussions and challenges focused on themes such as self-confidence, HIV/AIDS awareness, teamwork, sex/health education, goal-setting, life skills, leadership, empowerment, and behavioral change.

In addition to promoting self-empowerment, Camp UNITE also reinforces the solidarity of Togolese youth and seeks to heal the complex ethnic divisions that exist throughout the country. Since all regions of Togo are represented, participants can come to the realization that they are all responsible for the progress and development of their country.  Camp UNITE also allows participants to make friends and contacts throughout Togo for future collaborations.

Camp UNITE 2009 was funded by generous donations from the United States Embassy and the Peace Corps Partnership Program. The final closing ceremony of camp gave the 50 female student participants the chance to perform a series of sketches and dances for a large crowd that included both the United States Ambassador and the Nathalie Bitho, the Togolese Secretary of State charged with Youth and Youth Employment.

Camp UNITE 2009 marked the 8th year of camp for female students, 7th year of camp for male students, 6th year of camp for female apprentices (training as hairdressers and tailors), and the 3rd year of camp for male apprentices (learning trades such as masonry and mechanics). Past participants have not only shown remarkable personal accomplishments (such as continuing their education through college and opening their own businesses), but have led their communities in development through trainings, peer educator groups, and educational sessions. The camp is staffed by Peace Corps Volunteers (who serve as cabin counselors), as well as by Togolese educators and professionals, who help lead group sessions and discussions.

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