Because family ties in Africa are strong, most orphaned children are raised by relatives;
but every so often situations arise where nobody is willing or able to accept
responsibility for a child, and the only option is an orphanage. The Foyer Nanoviwo, one
of Togo's orphanages, was featured in a short film shown on Channel Four in the UK as part
of their special On the Line season. The Foyer Nanoviwo is close to the town of Atakpamé, and was set up by Germaine
Nicod, who was born in Togo, but moved to France when she married. Later in her life, she
moved back to Togo, to set up the orphanage. Exchanging a relatively easy life in one of
the world’s most prosperous countries for a precarious existence in one of the
poorest was a brave move on her part, but she is a devout Christian and believed that God
would protect her and ensure that her venture was a success.
The orphanage opened its doors in 1981 and
since then Germaine has looked after hundreds of children. Not all are orphans in the
strict sense of the word. Some of the children have been abandoned, or have mothers who
are unable to raise them. At present there are just over 70 children at the Foyer
Nanoviwo. Germaine receives no assistance from the Government, so she has to rely on
donations from generous individuals and organisations.
'Nanoviwo’ is an Ewé word
that means ‘share what you have with your brothers and sisters’.
"My name is Joseph and I’m 8
years old. I’ve been in the Foyer since I was one year old. I like living here –
it’s a good life here, with all my brothers and sisters. We’re not just friends
here in the Foyer, we’re brothers and sisters". Joseph Komi Omou, aged 8
Click
here to hear the children at the orphanage
singing.(1.26MB)
Printable
version
Photo by Mike Rimmer |
