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Togo's population is composed of thirty or forty ethnic groups, and as many languages are spoken. The two major groups are the Ewé and the Kabye. The Gurma, Kebu, and Ane (or Mina) peoples are significant minorities.
The highest concentration of people is along the coast, in the Maritime Region, which is home to the capital city Lomé, and Aného, Togo's colonial capital until 1920. The markets are busy, the bars and clubs are popular, and French and Ewé are the dominant languages. In the North of the country life is centred around villages, areas of the country which are very distinct, each having their own traditions, music, dance and arts.
Although Christianity has had a powerful effect on the country, around half the people in Togo still follow traditional African animist beliefs. The main Protestant church is led by Togolese moderators, and the Roman Catholic church has been headed by a Togolese Archbishop since independence. Voudou (or Voodoo), a religion which combines animist beliefs with elements of Roman Catholicism, is also popular, especially along the coast.
There are many stories about people in Togo: this is just one, about the Foyer Nanaviwo orphanage.
The Foyer Nanaviwo orphanage
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| Children at the Foyer Nanoviwo orphanage |
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
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Photographs by Mike Rimmer
