Traditional Crafts Workshops in Togo

A different way of discovering Togo and its people!
As an introduction to this country, we have created several original workshops with local artisans.
Togo is a small country in West Africa. Its charm comes from the great diversity in its landscape despite a relatively small surface area, and the great care given by the Togolese people in preserving their environment and in assuring that guests are well received. Everywhere from the North to the South you will hear: «Soyez les bienvenus» («You are welcome here».)
This region is especially attractive to « Eco-tourists » as it provides hiking with great diversity in flora and fauna. One can discover beautiful forests, a veritable botanical paradise, waterfalls that cool the very warm climate, fields of coffee, cocoa and palms, etc.

The stays are organized by a local NGO, FAGAD « Frères Agriculteurs et Artisans pour le Développement » (Brother Farmers and Artisans for Development), which was created in 1990 and is specialized in the organization of volunteer projects. The courses are led by artisan teachers who live in the high plateau region of South West Togo. On average, the courses last 5 days, 3 hours a day.

Dates: All year round for individuals and small groups

THE WORKSHOPS:
Pottery and weaving workshop:
In pottery, you will be able to make vases, bowls, ashtrays, etc. You will also learn the traditional techniques of basket and mat weaving.
Location: Kpele-Adéta, a town of 15,000 people and situated at the crossroads of Kpalime-Atakpame, Notse-Danyi. This is also where the headquarters of FAGAD are located.

Artisan chalk making workshop:
Chalk is made according to artisanal methods in a center for the blind. The chalk is then sold to local schools.
Location: Kpele-Konda is a village of 3000 inhabitants located 1 km from Adeta. A youth center, association for the blind, a socio-educative rural activity center, primary and kindergarten can be found in Kpele-Konda. It is also known for the beautiful waterfall in the area.

Recycling Workshop:
Ecologists and world citizens will be interested in this workshop that teaches the different steps for transforming old cans into art objects and toys. A museum bringing together the various objects is currently being developed. You will also learn how to make sandals from used tires!
Location: Kpele-Adeta and Gati : Gati is a village of 5000 inhabitants located 40 km from Lome and 15 km from Tsevie when coming from Tabligbo. Tsevie is the largest town in the surrounding region. Agriculture is the the major activity and is practiced by 95% of the population. It has three primary schools and one secondary school and an open market takes place every Tuesday. This village is culturally and traditionally rich.

Batik Workshop:
Batik is the art of dyeing and decorating cloth with designs of various motifs, flowers and animals, characters, and scenes of everyday life.
You will be offered an introduction to the traditional techniques of Batik.
Location:Adeta-Kpalime : Kpalime is approximately 1 ½ hours by road from Lome. The area surrounding it is luxurious and fertile, encercled by hills with dense forests, deep valleys and small villages. The land remains green even during the dry season. The soil in the region is naturally rich, the valleys are protected and the hot and humid climate provide ideal conditions for the growth of coffee and cocoa beans. Despite intense agricultural development, the Kpalime region has preserved some of Togo's prettiest forests where mahogany, wawas and irokos trees are numerous. A very lively open market takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. People from the entire region come to sell their harvests and do their shopping. Kpalime is also an important center for artisans.

Accommodation:
You will be lodging with full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at the homes of Kpalime's inhabitants.
Homes are built in the traditional architectural style with toilet facilities constructed outside of the home for hygienic reasons (bucket showers). You will be provided with your own private room. You must bring a mosquito net. (Nets can also be purchased locally at a very low cost.)
The families housing our guests have experience receiving young foreigners coming to Togo to participate in volunteer projects.

Tariff: 350 €
This tariff includes:
- 15 course hours with an artisan teacher (3 hours per day from Monday to Friday)
- Welcome at Lome's airport (if necessary)
- Transfer to the family where you will be staying
- Transfer to the artisan teacher the first day
- Lodging with full board for 7 days
- Assistance for the duration of your stay via our local partner
- Membership fees for the association

You want to know more or to know how to enrol ? Contact us!