TESTIMONIALS COLLECTION

FROM PREVIOUS VOLUNTEERS OF PDH Octobre 2011

Promotion et Dveloppement Humain

BP 20832 Lom Tl. (00228) 22 51 77 52 / 90 10 46 34 Togo E-mail : centre_social@yahoo.fr

Site : www.pdh-togo.org -

Sige : Lom TOGO ; West Africa

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The Testimonial of Nicholas Sheldon American, 124th international volunteer at PDH Lom Togo ; West Africa (9 August - 5 November 2011)
I come from Portland, OR U.S.A. Ive now passed two months at PDH, with one more month to go (9 August - 5 November 2011). Working with PDH has been very unique and challenging for me. Ive gained a deeper perspective with what it means to provide aid to those who need it most. Im amazed at the endurance that the Togolese have, navigating from a very tough history. What I like the most about PDH is the wide range of expertise that can be gained. My knowledge and use of the French Language has definitely improved, and Ive even learned a little of the local language "EWE". I have more confidence as a driver. If you think rush-hour in New York or Los Angeles is crazy, you obviously havent driven in Lom, Togo. In the mornings I check up with our clients who have AIDS or who are a social case, making sure that everyone is taking their medication properly. On Wednesdays and Saturdays I teach English at second NGO called "Future Foundation". On Tuesdays and Thursdays I work at a third NGO called "Aides Medicals et Charit", shadowing a psychologist who works at their clinic. There are an abundance of choices to be made when one is choosing how to engage themselves here. The only limit is how much energy one has to give. Volunteering for PDH isnt for everyone. PDH isnt like hugging Mickey Mouse at Disneyland; its like riding a roller coaster at SixFlags. If youd like a bit more excitement in your life and would like to feel good about your accomplishments everyday, you should volunteer at PDH.

(Togo Monde 82, October 2011)

1. PDH was created on the 15th February 1999 in Lom, Togo and in 2001 opened its doors to international volunteers wishing to undertake voluntary humanitarian work. 2. At the time this document was created, September 2011, PDH has already received and worked with 127 international volunteers coming from America, Europe and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand).
3. PDH is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to come to Lom TOGO (West Africa) and warmly welcomes any interest or enquiries. We have had all types of volunteers in the past (including two mother daughter pairings) from all sorts of professions and backgrounds,

covering an age range from 18 to 67, all of whom have fitted in equally well into the organization and found it a profound experience.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/56761164/1-Opportunity-of-voluntary-humanitarianwork-at-PDH-Lome-TOGO-4eme-Edition-Janvier-2011 http://www.scribd.com/doc/59692614/Opportunite-de-travail-humanitaire-volontaireet-benevole-a-PDH-Lome-TOGO-4eme-Edition-Juillet-2011

www.pdh-togo.org

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Harriet & Sophies Testimonial
(26 July 2011 - 20 August 2011)

There are so many charities in Africa that we decided the sensible idea was to act on the recommendation of a friend who had previously volunteered with PDH here in Togo. We found it very easy to contact PDH and orgainise our stay here, with Antoine sending us lots of information prior to our arrival to get us excited! Having both travelled before, but never to Africa, we were both keen to learn about the continent and its culture before setting out on our own to explore it further. We immediately found Togo and PDH to be a completely different experience to our previous travels. Firstly, Lom and the environment are very different in layout and nature to cities in South America or Asia. Most notably the population density is much lower, so things are a bit calmer! Secondly, we noticed how friendly everyone is, all willing to help or simply curious about us! Finally, we noticed the hundreds of motorbikes occupying the roads and tracks everywhere soon to become our favourite form of transport! Although we have only spent a month in Africa, through our time with PDH we have been

able to get a real insight into the lives and culture of the locals, and have learnt more about the day to day and large scale problems people face here in Togo. We have been able to visit homes and hospitals to check up on patients, and have participated in educational discussion groups for both adults and children to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS. During one of the groups we held for kids it struck us how excited they were about drawing with the crayons and paper we had brought with us an activity kids take for granted back home. In addition we have participated in external social work, visiting a weekly drop in clinic at the local convent to hand out powdered milk, food and medicine. It showed how even small donations can really make a difference, ie. 5 can feed a baby for week. We have also been able to spend time at a local orphange which PDH supports. The 50 children are always in need of a bit of extra attention and we were happy, if exhausted, to provide it! Another plus of the charity is their encouragement for volunteers to explore Lome and the rest of Togo. During our stay we have spent weekends along the coast, up in the hill country and even in Benin! Transport is in abundance, there are plenty of cheap places to stay and eat, and the locals are always willing to help a lost Yovo! For those of you looking to improve your French, Togo and PDH is a jump into the deep end! It has been tough and frustrating at times, but we are both leaving have learnt more than we did in the whole of our GCSE French! This really is the best way to learn! Our stay has really given us some food for thought about how we can help the Togolese. In reality money for food and medication is key, but also promotion of the PDH brand is vital to attract support for the cause. If you are thinking of volunteering here, do it! Also before you come think about what you can bring from home that might prove useful here...all old cameras, phones and laptops can really benefit the work of PDH so dont just leave them lying unused in a drawer... We are sad to say goodbye to Togo, but we know the PDH team will continue the great work they do with your support! Although we will miss our base here in Lom, and the great food and company, we are excited about setting off on our own to explore more of what West Africa has to offer! Bisous Harriet & Sophie

(Togo Monde 81, Septembre 2011)

4. PDH was created on the 15th February 1999 in Lom, Togo and in 2001 opened its doors to international volunteers wishing to undertake voluntary humanitarian work. 5. At the time this document was created, September 2011, PDH has already received and worked with 124 international volunteers coming from America, Europe and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand).
6. PDH is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to come to Lom TOGO (West Africa) and warmly welcomes any interest or enquiries. We have had all types of volunteers in the past (including two mother daughter pairings) from all sorts of professions and backgrounds, covering an age range from 18 to 67, all of whom have fitted in equally well into the organization and found it a profound experience.

www.pdh-togo.org

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Testimonial from Laura Burton and Guillaume Janssens (Belgian)
(10 July 2011 - 05 August 2011)

We are two Belgian volunteers who dreamt about discovering a totally different culture from our own. We chose Togo as our destination, and were recommended to come to P.D.H. We were warmly welcomed by P.D.H. and during our month here we have been involved in diverse and interesting work. During our time here, our work with P.D.H. has allowed us to engage with orphans and talk to those suffering with HIV. Doing this we offered a morale boost and respite from their daily routines. We also participated in distributing foot kits to the most needy members of society. Through home visits, hospital trips, discussions with carers of the ill and other social work we were able to have close contact with the local population, providing us with an intimate insight into Togolese life. P.D.H. is a flexible and accommodating charity; each morning we were able to choose activities that would help us achieve our personal goals. In

addition we could propose new activities that we felt would provide some benefit to the community. We found there was a good balance between free-time and work, and have had plenty of opportunities to explore Lome and the surrounding regions in the evenings and at weekends. Whilst our stay here in Togo has provided us with many memories, those that will particularly stand out are of the warmth and generosity of the P.D.H. team and also of the Togolese community, who truly deserve their nickname - The Smile of West Africa!

(Togo Monde 80, July 2011)

7. PDH was created on the 15th February 1999 in Lom, Togo and in 2001 opened its doors to international volunteers wishing to undertake voluntary humanitarian work. 8. At the time this document was created, July 2011, PDH has already received and worked with 123 international volunteers coming from America, Europe and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand).
9. PDH is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to come to Lom TOGO (West Africa) and warmly welcomes any interest or enquiries. We have had all types of volunteers in the past (including two mother daughter pairings) from all sorts of professions and backgrounds, covering an age range from 18 to 67, all of whom have fitted in equally well into the organization and found it a profound experience.

www.pdh-togo.org

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A Testimonial from Florence Stuart-Leach and Emma Dandy (Britain) We are staying here at PDH for three weeks. We arrived separately at PDH a few days apart, so it was great to be greeted by Antoine

at the airport. On the evening drive from the airport we were both struck by the hustle and bustle of the streets in Lom on the way back to PDH; women selling street food by candlelight and music blaring out from street side cafs and bars. During our first days, PDH staff members took us on our first moto rides an exhilarating experience! Now weve adjusted to the chaotic nature of the Togolese traffic we can take in the sights without clinging on to the driver for dear life. We now take every opportunity to jump on the back of a taxi-moto.

We have had the opportunity to see much of the work that PDH does through visits and recently visited Lom General Hospital to check up on some patients of ours. We were greeted by some friendly staff and relatives of patients who were grateful for our support. Unfortunately the hospital does not have the facilities that we would expect from a hospital in the West and medication and equipment is frequently stolen making treatment even harder. We found it an eye-opening experience and felt proud to be wearing the PDH t-shirt where the charity does so much good work. During the week, we work from 7.30am until 12.30 (and as well in the afternoons on Wednesdays), in which time we accompany staff members on a variety of visits, including to the hospital, schools - where we pay the childrens fees - and homes, where people are in need of our assistance. Beyond that time we are free to discover the local area or take a short moto ride into Lom to haggle our way through the Grand March. On our first weekend, along with Nick the Canadian, we hopped over the border to experience what Benin has to offer. While it was not the most accommodating region for tourists, it was worth a visit and we saw Africas largest lake community where whole villages live on houses with stilts. It is certainly worth taking advantage of time off at the weekends. We have also visited Kpalim, west of Lom. Its a small town which served as a pleasant and peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Lom. We spent one morning trekking in the surrounding forest in which you can go and see various waterfalls and learn about the medicinal uses of the natural environment. A visit to the local orphanage linked to PDH is a touching experience. The children there are in need of so much attention and are always excited to receive visitors. Come bearing activities as they have little to play with at the orphanage. If you dont

bring games or toys of some kind, it is your sunglasses and camera which will become the focus of their attention! The staff at PDH makes this a really friendly and welcoming environment even when there is a slight language barrier. Our time at PDH has been both challenging and rewarding but has given us memories that will stay with us forever.
(Togo Monde 79, May 2011)

10. PDH was created on the 15th February 1999 in Lom, Togo and in 2001 opened its doors to international volunteers wishing to undertake voluntary humanitarian work. 11. At the time this document was created, May 2011, PDH has already received and worked with 119 international volunteers coming from America, Europe and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand).
12.PDH is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to come to Lom TOGO (West Africa) and warmly welcomes any interest or enquiries. We have had all types of volunteers in the past (including two mother daughter pairings) from all sorts of professions and backgrounds, covering an age range from 18 to 67, all of whom have fitted in equally well into the organization and found it a profound experience.

www.pdh-togo.org

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A Testimonial from Nick Leeson (Canada) Im Nick Leeson, an international volunteer from Canada and Im staying here for 2 1/2 months (10 weeks). Im currently 1 month into my volunteer work with PDH and, looking back on the time that I have already spent in Togo, it is unbelievable how much Ive experienced: I will never forget my first trip to a Togolese hospital; the smiles on the faces of the children at the orphanage each time I come to visit; the beauty of Loms beaches; or, my first time eating the traditional meal Fufu.

Over the years, both my work and education have provided me with ample opportunities to see much of the world, but never in the same context as my time here at PDH. In truth, as a tourist and a backpacker travelling through places I rarely had the chance to do much more than see the sights and never felt I was actually helping the people I encountered. My time volunteering in West Africa has changed that: Ive been able to contribute my personal expertise, knowledge, skills and labour with those in one of the poorest parts of the world. Ive probably experienced just about arrived both good and bad. Ive seen sights and those which have left me searching for answers. At times Ive achievements, and at other times couldnt do more. To be sure, you will with the realization that you are not handedly change the world in one trip; will make a positive impact in a way and donating money from the comfort could. every emotion since I incredibly uplifting awake at night felt very proud of my deeply frustrated that I quickly come to grips going to singleyet, by joining PDH you that buying wristbands of your couch never

I promise you that your time with PDH will do far more than add overseas work experience to your CV. If youre looking for a chance to get yourself out of your comfort zone a new job, new culture, new living arrangements, new colleagues, new support network and, perhaps, a foreign language your time in Togo will not disappoint. Yes, there will be frustrations, from the trivial to the immeasurable: getting used to showering with a bucket; having to negotiate for the majority of your purchases; or trying to understand how necessary medical treatment could be denied to someone by reason of lack of funds. But there will be unexpected charms as well: the excitement of your fist taxi-moto ride; the unexpected conversation with a local at the always busy Grand March; and the smiles, waves and chants of Yovo [white person] by children everywhere you go. Ultimately, in choosing to volunteer with PDH, not only will you make a very unique contribution to improving one of the worlds most underdeveloped regions, but you will also gain an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Im nearly halfway through my volunteer commitment here at PDH and, while Im looking forward to seeing my family and friends again, it is hard to imagine that I will soon have to say goodbye to Togo. My time here has provided me with the opportunity to work on a daily basis with and for people on issues that truly have a human impact. This experience has forced me to reassess what is truly important in life and where it is that I should focus my own priorities. In short, if youre thinking about joining PDH as a volunteer, DO IT! It promises to be one decision that youll never regret.

(Togo Monde 78, April 2011)

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A testimonial from Theresa Khnert Im Theresa Khnert, a German volunteer and Im staying here for 6 months, however 4 months have already passed. Looking back on the time I already spent in Togo its unbelievable how much I could experience:

I remember the first time I ate the traditional meal Fufu, the moment I got my Togolese name Adjo; I remember our Christmas project with the kids at the beach, Christmas and New Years in Africa, trips to Ghana, Kpalim, Togoville and Benin. Besides that even my parents got the chance to experience Western Africa and it was one of the funniest moments of my stay here to see them sitting on a taxi-moto! Now Im getting the feeling that Ive really arrived in Togo and that Ive adjusted to its way of living. On one hand it is still a highlight to take a taxi-moto or to play with the children at the orphanage and the kids who meet up at PDH. On the other hand it has become habitude to shower by using a bucket, to negotiate the price for taking a taxi or to survive the Grand Marchs trouble. My stay in Africa enabled me to meet many different people and find friends from all over the world; from Australia to the USA, England, France or Lebanon. It hasnt been always easy to find Togolese friends; however Ive met wonderful people who I will never forget! And last but not least to mention the friendship with my German namesake Theresa since 4 months we are living together in a room of 15m. It is comparable with the Togolese way of life you have almost never a moment for yourself, but youre never alone, too. I got used to it and now I couldnt imagine being alone without someone that shares all those moments with me. There are just 2 months left now and even if Im looking forward to see my family and friends again who I really miss, it is hard to imagine that I will have to say Goodbye to Togo. Of course, the heat, the rubbish and the cultural differences drive you crazy from time to time, but Im going to miss the vividness, colorfulness and all the unexpected moments of delight!

(Togo Monde 77, February 2011)

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A testimonial from Danielle Back, an American volunteer: This past month, I have been working at the Promotion and Human Development (PDH) social centre in Lome, Togo. During my time here, I have learned an incredible amount about public health, human rights, and the many individuals working at a grassroots level to support real social change in Togo. My first hospital visit with PDH was to visit Afi Apenou, a two-year old girl who was hospitalized from an infected abdominal abscess. After emergency surgery, Afi remained at the hospital for nearly a month with her doctors worrying that her wound might become reinfected. Following Afi's case, advocating for her patient rights, and seeing her slowly heal made me realize how important medical advocacy is; this experience humanized the theoretical and often detached scientific field of medicine. In fact, because

of my experiences here, I am now certain that I will attend medical school after I graduate from my undergraduate studies in the United States. Not all of the stories at PDH are happy ones. In fact, Afi's story itself explains some of the difficulties that PDH encounters when working in a developing country. Because Afi's parents are very poor, they waited for three weeks after Afi developed the stomach abscess before bringing her to the hospital. Thus, by the time Afi reached the hospital, she was in critical condition and required an emergency operation. Additionally, during her stay at CHU-Tokoin, one of the main hospitals in Lom, Afi contracted malaria because the hospital lacks window screens and mosquito nets (even though hospital patients are more susceptible to falling ill to malaria due to their weakened immune systems). These social constraints (poverty, lack of development, lack of adequate government support) are the same constraints that PDH faces when the centre works to support HIV/AIDS individuals and their children, those with social difficulties, and homeless and impoverished children. Although it has been a difficult experience, working and living in Togo, it has also been a very rewarding journey. I have met some of the most inspiring people through my work at PDH, traveled around Western Africa (Lac Togo, Togoville, and Ghana), and have learned a great deal about myself and my aspirations. I would encourage any future volunteers to step outside their comfort zones and confront the beautiful tragedy that is Togo.

(Togo Monde 76, January 2011)

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A testimonial from Jo:
Bonjour! My name is Jo and I am an Australian volunteer from Melbourne. I arrived in Togo a week ago, and was thrown straight into a hot, dusty and slightly chaotic foreign world. A team from PDH met me in neighboring Ghana and accompanied me back to Lom by minivan. I spent the trip with my eyes glued to the window. With a reggae mixed tape blaring, we passed large, brightly colored concrete houses side by side with small mud huts, boab trees, dusty children, traditionally dressed women carrying everything and anything on their heads and as the sun went down, candlelit markets.

After a much needed day of rest, I was excited to be given the opportunity to jump in and be involved in PDHs work straight away. During my first morning at work, I helped one of PDHs staff members, Mawuli, to carry out house visits to HIV patients. We zipped around Loms sandy streets on one of PDHs motos. PDHs clients are all in difficult and sometimes depressing situations, so listening to and learning about their stories can be very challenging. However, everyone has welcomed me warmly and PDHs cheerful and hard working staff members help to keep up morale. The strength and resolve of PDH and their clients is to be admired! In the afternoons, after a much needed siesta, I have been writing up detailed reports for each of the

visits in French. PDH is very thorough and everything is always carefully documented. The staff members at PDH also work extremely hard. After the international volunteers have collapsed in their rooms, the permanent staff members cont continue to work-- sometimes right up until dinner time or even late into the night. During my first week, I also had the chance to help with other home visits and a school visit where we set up a makeshift mini cinema, using a white sheet and a projector, to show the younger children a film. I also helped with an emergency trip to a hospital and have been planning some of the Christmas activities. During the weekend, I explored the crazy and slightly stressful Grand March with some of the other volunteers, where we attempted to bargain hard for rs, purchases including colorfully printed African material. On Sunday, we visited Lake Togo and the nearby village of Togoville, where a peace treaty was signed that gave the Germans rights over the whole of Togo Togoland (pre-Independence Togo). Togoville was visited by Pope John Paul II after the Virgin Mary was seen over Lake Togo Togo.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my exciting introduction to life in Lom and already feel a part of the PDH team. I am looking forward to gaining a better understanding of PDHs work, Togolese life and to further exploring Togo!

(Togo Monde 75, December 2010)

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A testimonial from Theresa Vogel (German volunteer);
My first 3 weeks in Togo and at PDH have been very exciting, wonderful, challenging, but very hard and sad at the same time. Togo means all this that after the little time I have been here; Im very glad that I have almost six months left to experience this country and get to know its people and its s lifestyle properly. I want to breathe it all in. The Togolese people are so friendly, open and warm and everyone here greets you with Bonjour and a big and hearty smile. Sometimes it is hard to believe when yo hear their stories. I have a deep you respect for all those humble people who are so strong, who must be so strong and who still are or try to be happy and thankful for what they have. It is an attitude to be admired and a good example for everyone! PDH works with people who have HIV and Aids, with their children and with families who have to struggle with a lack of money and opportunities. In general one can say that PDH tries to help everyone who comes in the center and seeks for help, including the payment of school fees, aid with building up a business, information about HIV and support in any difficult situations. The dedicated staff members of PDH work very long hours to do their best they can and to take every case seriously. The team visits th clients in their homes, work-places or schools to look after the places their well- being, it organizes activity days where the clients can come together and share their thoughts about their disease and the difficulties in life. their To sum up, PDH is a good organization and I feel like being a part of this team. organization

Before I left for Togo I was worried that a little girl from Europe could feel useless and unnecessary here. I`m glad to be able to say that I thought wrong. Of course, one cannot change the circumstances here, but one can do something by supporting PDH in their important work and by making a difference in some peoples life even though it is just a small one. I especially love the work with the children who come to PDH twice a month! Togo can offer a lot too! The little things that happen here daily never fail to excite me or make my day. For example the taximotos (taxi on motorbikes) are THE common way of moving around Lom. It is a wonderful feeling to sit on the back of one of these scooters and watch the streets when you drive past. One can see women with colorful African dresses and jugs on their head oftentimes cradling a little baby tied to their back with a wrapper. Everywhere around me kids play, goats wander and meaahh, chicken dash across streets and dogs roam around. Reggae-music blasts from tints and the air is perfumed with a pleasing mix of petrol, spices and sun Workshops, stands, hairdressers, everyone is working outside and one can hear all different kinds of melodic soundsIn these moments I just want to scream and say: THIS IS TOGO! Without a question, the experience here is still hard and very challenging at times, but I have never felt happier, harmonious and so motivated to do the best I can. Im looking forward to all what Togo has in store for me! Every challenge is worth it, I have no regrets on my decision to come to Lom, to PDH!

(Togo Monde 74, November 2010)

Theresa
or Ama, my new Togolese name (it stands for Saturday, the day I was born. Every person here has always also the name of their birthday)

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A testimonial from Sonia Dropsy (Australian volunteer); Just a regular day in Togo;
My experience at PDH has been one of the hardest and most rewarding of my life. On a daily basis, through wide toothy smiles, I am continuously bon arrive-d or bonsoir-d; having little idea of what I would encounter on arrival, I am more than happy to support the generalization that this is one of the friendliest nations on earth. Despite the happy disposition and smiles inhabited by most people I meet, it is evident that a lot of them are lifted chins and brave faces over serious struggles. The small team at PDH work from 7:15am until evening, doing the paperwork and writing of reports that is the painful curse of every office over the world. What they do have that is different from some other offices are the daily morning visits to people suffering from one or many problems. Some of these people are children who cannot pay for school fees or rent, because their parents cannot afford toor their parent (s) have abandoned

them or died. Other people come to the centre, because they cannot afford to eat, pay for medication or access other products or services. At first, the mornings left me depressed and overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, versus our capacity to change anything. But after a month watching the enduring effort and attention given by the staff (they present and discuss every single visit and case to the whole team) I believe that a lot of people can be helped, and a lot of lives will change for the better as a result of the work that PDH does. I hope that more volunteers come, all of ages and from all backgrounds. I think Togo and PDH have a lot too offer in life and work experience, and I also think PDH and Togo can benefit greatly from exchange. The volunteer experience also has a lot to offer in the way of fun; its hard work, but if youve got a sense of humour, and open-mind, and can deal with the fact that youll never be able to dance or to (smashing in Ewe) yams like they canyoull have a really good time

(Togo Monde 73, October 2010)

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TESTIMONIAL Just a regular day in Togo; a testimonial
Sophia Tutty, British volunteer Before I arrived in Togo, I was unsure of what to expect; my knowledge of the country based on what I had read in my guidebook! However, after seven weeks in this amazing country, I have experienced so much that I could have never imagined and learnt not only about the fascinating culture but also about the incredible warmth and generosity of the Togolese people. Through working with PDH I have had the opportunity to meet a truly diverse range of people and have seen what it means to live in poverty; an experience which has been both challenging and rewarding. Alongside the hardworking staff of PDH, I have helped to promote HIV awareness, deliver food, distribute medication and visit people in need of the charitys help. Although this has meant I have witnessed some truly desperate situations, it has also given me a strong sense of satisfaction to know that I have helped in some small way to improve the lives of these people. At the beginning of my time here I began sponsoring a 13 year old girl named Akoko and have been lucky enough to meet and talk with her several times. For me, this ability to form connections and friendships with people has been the greatest thing about coming to work with a charity. I am also extremely grateful to the staff at PDH who have made my stay here one I will never forget and to the other international volunteers, past and present, who have been great company. I will be very sad to leave Togo but I will leave with some fantastic memories; riding through the bush (very quickly!) on the motorbike, having my hair braided by the children at the orphanage and laughing my way through morning meetings!

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Testimonial from Emma Selander - Swedish volunteer I have had the privilege to be part of the team at PDH for two and a half months, From April to June. It has been an overwhelming experience; frustrating at times, tragic at times, but mostly rewarding. Playing with orphaned children or helping a pregnant woman pay her hospital stay are just two instances when you really feel like you are making a difference.

During my stay I also had the chance to meet and sponsor a ten year old boy, Jean-Paul. Getting to see in person exactly how I am helping this little boy has been amazing. His mother was so grateful for what I am doing for her son that she decided to thank by giving me a live chicken, despite her difficult economical situation. To me, that is the picture of Togolese generosity. Even though you have close to nothing, you still have enough to share with others. I would encourage anyone to sponsor a child or a family, especially volunteers, since they are able to form a relationship with the person they sponsor. Trying to describe my experience here at PDH in such short words is simply impossible. There is so much, both good and bad, that I just could never have pictured before actually coming here. What I can say is that I am very grateful to the staff; Bruno, Brigitte, Mawuli, and Tchagbele, and all the national and international volunteers, for making my stay here in Togo one I will always remember fondly. And finally; if you are thinking of going abroad to work as a volunteer, do not hesitate. You will not regret it. (Togo Monde 70, July 2010) Above: Me with Jean-Paul (to the right) and his twin brother Jean-Pierre

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Testimonial Meghan Pinyan, American et Parfaite, Togolese I had the opportunity to volunteer with PDH for 3 months from January to April. I had a great experience working with Antoine and the wonderful staff at PDH, Brigitte, Bruno, Mawuli; as well as other local volunteers. PDH is a hardworking organization that is devoted to improving the lives of the Togolese people. The staff is very dedicated and works endlessly on projects to promote HIV education, deliver food, milk, ARV medication, as well as organizing support groups for HIV positive individuals and children who are AIDS orphans. As a volunteer I worked until 17:30, however often times the staff would work into the evening to finish up a project, or to follow up on a sick patient at the hospital. Families have difficulty paying for school fees for their children, so PDH has created a project for outside donors to sponsor a child who needs assistance to ensure their educational future. I was fortunate to meet Parfaite, a 12 year old girl who I sponsor. I met Parfaite at the school she attends in the surrounding neighborhood. She lives with her mother and siblings in a small 2 room cement house that is unfinished. She has 2 brothers: Edoh is 14 and Atsou is 20, and four sisters: Mama is 30, Tanti is 26, Kafwi is 23, and Atsoupi is 20. The family sleeps on mats on the floor of one room with uncovered windows and a thatched roof that fails to provide shelter from the rain. On the weekends, Parfaite helps

her mother sell a skin cream to people in the neighborhood. Parfaite does very well at school and one day she hopes to become a physician for women. Her favorite food is macaroni and her favorite hobby is ampe a togolese childrens game. By sponsoring a child though PDH you can help to break the cycle of poverty and guarantee a future for the children of Togo. Meghan Pinyan (Togo Monde 69, Juin 2010)

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TESTIMONIALS FROM PREVIOUS VOLUNTEERS OF PDH
PDH is a small yet incredibly worthwhile organisation that tackles the problems of poverty and disease in Togo.

Louise Marshall, Scotland

I was searching for a volunteer experience where I could be out in the field, having direct contact with the population being served and PDH has afforded me this opportunity. Molly Bartholomew, USA

I worked with people of all ages and lived with a local family. I grew to understand the culture and even a tiny bit of the local indigenous language, Ewe. ... I have absolute respect for all of the volunteers of PDH and its supporters. They do amazing work. I came away with vastly improved French and a true understanding and passion for the humanitarian work they carry out. Perdita Hall, UK England