Children of the Beach: A Project Strengthened by CSEL's Support

Pontarlier, December 27, 2024. In early December, the associations "Comité de Soutien à l’Enfance de Lomé" (CSEL) and "Médias Ebène" signed an agreement regarding the administrative and financial takeover of the project "Les Enfants de la Plage," initiated by Médias Ebène in 2019 in Lomé. This agreement also includes a new collaboration on the ground, effective from 2025, for the benefit of street children in Lomé. Details.

A project launched in 2019 takes on a new dimension

Launched in January 2019 during the first knowledge transfer seminar, named Lomé1, this project initially focused on about ten children living on the beach near the Kodjoviakopé district, just a few dozen meters from the Ghanaian border. Médias Ebène supported the family of Haruna and Essenam Gotoechan, enabling them to free up time for visits and a monthly meal. Last December, 237 meals were distributed, demonstrating the project's growing scope.

December 14, 2024, 237 meals were provided at Lomé beach.

A Strategic Collaboration to Maximize Impact

However, since caring for street children does not fall within the objectives of the Médias Ebène association, which specializes in "supporting media development in Francophone Africa," the association applied for authorization to issue tax receipts. In this context, Médias Ebène approached CSEL in Paris in 2024 to inquire if they could receive donations for the children and redirect them to the association managing the fieldwork in Lomé. An agreement was signed on December 1st, facilitating a successful initial exchange of experiences. It is worth noting that CSEL already issues tax receipts for French residents.

Gérard Yovo, CAJED coordinator, and the children from the shelter

Fieldwork Evaluation: Clear Synergy

The results on the ground are very positive. CSEL funds the "Committee for Aid to Young People in Difficulty" (CAJED), established in Lomé in 1996, which primarily focuses on street youth. CAJED operates two care centers, including a shelter, and conducts outreach activities along with significant social work, including with the children's families when they exist. During a recent visit, Médias Ebène's representatives were able to assess the quality of the work being done and identify many potential synergies with "The Children of the Beach" project. Mr. Yovo for CAJED and Mr. Gotoechan for "The Children of the Beach" mutually appreciated each other's actions and recognized the shared humanitarian values in their work.

On the left, Gérard Yovo, CAJED coordinator, and Haruna Gotoechan, coordinator of "The Children of the Beach".

New Benefits for Donors

For current Médias Ebène donors specifically supporting "The Children of the Beach," it is necessary to update your bank details (please request them here). Donations will now be directed to CSEL in Paris, which will then transfer them to Lomé. French donors will thus receive a tax receipt for donations made in 2025. Unfortunately, this tax deduction is not possible for Swiss donors. Médias Ebène welcomes this development, especially the significant synergies emerging both in Europe and Togo. As the situation for children in Lomé is deteriorating, this pooling of efforts is entirely to their benefit.

Learn more about the Lomé Children's Support Committee (CSEL)

Learn more about the Committee for Aid to Young People in Difficulty (CAJED)

Request CSEL's bank details (forms)