June 2026 at SPES Lomé was marked by the various exams and end-of-year academic tests at all levels. While waiting for the announcement of all the results, we are already happy with the BAC1 results, where out of eight (8) candidates presented, six (6) passed, giving a success rate of 75%. The staff, personnel, the young people, and all the children are doing well. Our new recruits are well integrated and are growing harmoniously according to their stage of development. SPES is now truly their home.
As of today, the center has a staff of forty-eight (48) residents, including twenty-seven (27) in the toddlers’ center and twenty-one (21) in the teenagers’ center. The twenty-three (23) young people who are living with foster families, relatives, or in Benin are added to this number. In total, SPES Lomé took care of seventy-one (71) children and young people during this month of May 2026.
Schooling
Our primary school students completed their third-term compositions at the beginning of June. This was followed from June 16 to 18 by the CEPD, and during the same period from June 16 to 20, the Baccalaureate 2 exam. The exams took place with the support of tutors and supervisors from both centers.
As announced, the proclamation of the probationary (BACI) results shows six (6) candidates out of eight (8) were admitted, giving a success rate of 75%. The unfortunate candidates were supported in accepting their results and in redoubling their efforts to do better and succeed next year.
The young man in priesthood training in BENIN is doing very well and continues to progress nicely in his training, just like the young woman training to be a preschool teacher in Lomé, who is doing well in the practical phase of her training. Soon, they will also join us for the school holidays.
Both on-campus and off-campus students have started the MONSOON semester. For this semester, more motivation and commitment are expected from them to pass their subjects.
Learning
Our young apprentices are doing well in their training across their various learning workshops. On Friday, June 12, 2026, a team made up of the project manager, the facilitator and the accountant attended the signing of a training contract for one of our young staff apprentices. The ceremony went really well in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere for the young apprentice.
Health
During this rainy season, many illnesses have been recorded. Most of our children and young people suffered from malaria along with intestinal infections, anemia, and headaches. Some were referred to the Jean Jacques Bazin Medical-Social Center in Kégué (Sisters of Mercy Hospital in Kégué, not far from the Center) or to the CHR Lomé Commune. They were examined, treated, and have fully recovered their health. The new recruits continue to receive the vaccination doses recommended for their age.
The psychologist continues her sessions alternately at both SPES TOGO centers.
Other information
Invited by the Minister of Solidarity, Gender, Family, and Child Protection, several children from care centers, including ten (10) from SPES, took part in the celebrations for Children’s Day on June 1st, organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Togo at the SARAKAWA Hotel. This invitation highlights the recognition of SPES’s work by its overseeing ministry.
This event provided a great opportunity for the children to enjoy some relaxation, cultural discovery, and sharing in a friendly and festive atmosphere.
The monthly staff meeting was held on June 1, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Director at the SPES Lomé children’s center.
At the beginning of the session, the Director encouraged all staff to step up their support for the children and youth as they prepare for their school exams. She emphasized the need for careful monitoring and tailored support to help ensure the students succeed.
To this end, particular attention was given to the psychosocial support of students taking the exams. The Director asked the psychologist to meet with the students concerned to talk with them and boost their confidence before the different tests.
With the aim of improving internal organization and harmonizing practices within the center, the Director made three important clarifications.
Any absence must be preceded by a request that is systematically sent to the Director.
Each staff member is required to sign the attendance book both when they arrive and when they leave.
Any donation intended to be consumed directly by the children must be reported to Management.
In addition, in light of the requirements set by the accountant hired by SPES to handle SPES’s accounting, the Director reminded the staff of the obligation to request and keep receipts for any expense or purchase made as part of the organization’s activities.
During the meeting, the Director also presented the new information sheet developed for collecting and updating information about SPES children and youth.
The distribution of responsibilities for filling out the sheets was defined as follows:
The Director and Justin will be in charge of filling out the sheets for the children at the Early Childhood Center;
The psychologist Mathy and Élysée will be responsible for filling out the records of the youths at the Adolescent Center.
To wrap up the meeting, the Director informed all the staff that a training session will be organized from July 9 to 11, 2026. This training, which will be led by trainers from SOS Children’s Villages, will involve all SPES staff and will aim to strengthen professional skills in caring for children.
The monthly meeting with the moms took place at the children’s center on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
It focused on strengthening skills in preventing domestic accidents to curb incidents during this time when children and young people are always at home.
Home safety is a major public health issue, with the house being the main place for everyday accidents (falls, burns, choking and poisonings).
Prevention is based on identifying hazards, adapting the environment, and staying constantly alert. It especially focuses on children, who are the most vulnerable.
Playful and recreational activities
The end of the year-end exams marks the start of leisure activities and vacations. The little kids regularly take part in activities on the playground under the supervision of Uncle Justin, especially group and individual games that promote relaxation, socializing, and teamwork.
To encourage a love of reading in children, read-aloud and storytelling sessions are organized. Recreational activities, including board games and artistic activities, are also arranged.
The start of the holidays at the SPES Center in Lomé is going well thanks to the variety of activities on offer, such as team games, board games (Ludo, Awalé, cards…), relay races, and skill-based activities. The program allows children to make good use of their free time while supporting their physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. These activities will continue until they leave to spend the holidays with their families, with the goal of giving the children enriching and fulfilling experiences.
The play areas at the center were regularly organized, giving children moments of relaxation and socializing in a safe environment.
Sharing sessions around reading were also held to promote speaking skills and critical thinking.
Talks and awareness sessions on positive discipline, mutual respect, and community life were set up through film screenings to support children in their behavioral and social development.
The children showed great enthusiasm and strong participation in the various activities offered. The overall atmosphere was marked by joy, friendliness, and respect for the rules. These activities helped strengthen the bonds between the children while promoting their well-being.
As part of the celebration of the International Day of the African Child, observed every year on June 16, an educational talk was organized for the children and youth of the SPES Lomé center. The aim of this activity was to raise our children’s awareness about the importance of this day, its history, as well as the rights and responsibilities of African children.
It is worth noting that this year’s theme for the day’s commemoration is: Ensuring universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for every child in Africa.
The session was led by the Director of the center, assisted by the facilitator, Uncle Justin. During their talk, they reminded everyone of the origin of the International Day of the African Child, established in memory of the children of Soweto who, on June 16, 1976, took to the streets to defend their right to a quality education. They also highlighted the importance of this commemoration, which aims to promote the rights, well-being, and protection of children across the African continent.
The children were also made aware of several topics, including the right to education, the right to protection, the right to health, as well as their duties and responsibilities within society.
This activity allowed children and young people to better understand the significance of the International Day of the African Child and to strengthen their knowledge about their rights and responsibilities. The session took place in a studious and friendly atmosphere, contributing to civic education and the personal development of children and young people.
Referring to this year’s theme, the director invited the children and young people to regularly use the drinking water production system for their drinks and to follow the hygiene and sanitation rules set for their good health.
Weather
Heavy rains continue in the south of Togo with thunderstorms. A coolness is settling over the entire city of Lomé, thus announcing the monsoon. It is on these notes of hope and commitment that we wish you an excellent, peaceful, and successful July 2026. It is also a month in which we expect great success in BAC 2. May this new month bring health, joy, and many achievements for each and every one of you.
Done in Lomé, on July 8, 2026
For SPES Lomé,
Béatrice ODJO-ALOGNON
