January, the first of the year, a strategic pivot, the month of beginnings, allowed for the development of the roadmap for the next eleven (11) months. This month was particularly marked by various follow-up meetings, as well as punctual and strategic actions. These different actions are related to planning, analyzing the children’s school situation, maintaining a healthy and clean environment, the release of a young leader, and the signing of a new apprenticeship contract for a young person.
The installed streetlights help the children during these times of unexpected power outages. The generator experienced a breakdown this month, and the starter was replaced.
The Harmattan appeared in a majestic manner, with negative impacts on the health of some children, notably causing flu, cough, and colds.
The center had the honor of welcoming, in two separate occasions this month, a delegation of SPES international. All the staff and children were deeply impacted by their visit, both professionally and personally. Through the activities carried out with the children and through the exchanges with the staff, an inspiration emerged for the center to support the development of the children. The plan is to organize once a month an evening called the special relaxation evening (stories, games, riddles, coloring, reading, drawing…). For reading, the month before, each person will choose a book at their level and present it on this evening. Sarah and Françoise led reading and coloring activities with the children. These are wonderful moments for the children. The godchildren are happy when they see their godparents. The visited goddaughters were positively affected, and the separation was painful for everyone.
Education
The organization of work in committees has yielded somewhat fairly encouraging results for this first quarter.
A detailed analysis of the results showed that if the adolescents had put in more effort, they would have achieved better results. Even in certain subjects like lessons, their grades are only barely satisfactory. In addition, they tend to blend into the crowd; their performance does not make them stand out. And when it comes to projecting averages, they are less ambitious and enterprising. Some actions in the 2026 action plan anticipate and encourage the drive of those who will strive to stand out from the crowd.
The education, discipline, and results committees held a meeting to undertake actions and strategies to help teenage girls make the most of their working hours. Two teenage girls were temporarily transferred to the girls’ and boys’ dormitories to allow them to concentrate better.
Tutors are encouraged to give more of themselves by staying for the adolescents as educators. Promises are made to some children to encourage them to aim for top positions and the best grades.
The work of the psychologist with the children allowed for recommendations to be made to the CM tutor and to the adolescent coordinator, to whom the management asked to support the children who cannot read. Strategies proposed by the principal of EPP Volove are practical. This meeting took place between the principal, the head of the education committee, and a member of the Results committee on January 26, 2026.
Second term classes resumed with in-class assignments from January 24 for middle school students.
Coloring activities are now also extended to the boys in the primary dormitory for young boys.
All the children who passed have been congratulated and encouraged with cookies, candies, and juices from leftover Christmas donations. Exchange corners in the center’s courtyard bring the children closer to the administration.
During “book hour,” the support staff is increasingly involved. Arrangements are made so that the children are not all together in the library.
Young people outside the center
All young students and apprentices are doing very well. Everyone has received their allowances for the month of January 2026.
Health
The little ones are taking honey teas, which has greatly reduced the recurrence of illnesses. In this month of January, there are no cases of illness apart from those who need to regularly take medication in case of ulcer flare-ups.
Visits
The SPES KPALIME center received a visit from a couple and Mrs. They spent enjoyable moments with the children. During their stay, in addition to visiting the sites and outdoor activities with all the children at the center, especially the little ones, work sessions on specific issues shed light on different aspects of care. Special attention was given to the correspondence between the godchildren and their sponsors. The cultural facilitator was involved in this process. A work session with the psychologist was also possible. A debriefing session took place on the last day of their mission in Kpalimé. This trio made a mark on the center through their sense of observation, listening, and analysis, as well as their love for children and their appreciation of the staff’s commitment to the children. Françoise, during the work session, listened to the needs of the children and the center and made appropriate proposals for the supply of seasonal foodstuffs. This proposal for a revolving fund has already been implemented thanks to financial donations received during the end-of-year celebrations.
Through their visit, the center benefited from certain useful and essential needs for the well-being of the children, which will soon be met. The entire team is grateful to SPES France for its commitment and unwavering support.
Other news
The management staff held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, January 29. The topics concerned the analysis of school results, the presentation of the 2026 action plan, issues regarding catering and increasing breakfast provisions for middle and high school students, and support strategies, among others. At the end of the discussions, it was recommended that the difficulties encountered with children and adolescents should be used to identify topics for discussion-debates with them. These topics should be used to develop an educational program for the year and implement it. All the objectives of the 2026 action plan were explained, and the mothers were urged to participate in achieving the goals of the 2026 action plan.
Efforts to have the children take naps are progressing slowly. The little girls nap without difficulty. It has been observed that some little boys also nap, and even a few middle school students.
As part of sports activities, inter-class matches are held on Wednesdays and Fridays at the Zomayi High School with the participation of some children from the center.
From Monday, January 12 to Friday, January 23, the psychologist worked with the children in the CE and CM classes for individual sessions focused on motivation, syllabication, and reading, among other areas of support. The presence of the psychologist is crucial for understanding, and her intervention is both curative and preventive.
As part of the 10th anniversary of the Christian Catholic Base Community (CCCB) St. John the Apostle of Zomayi Dzogadzè from the St. John Paul II parish of Agogomé, the members gathered in Agomé Kpodzi on Sunday, January 25, to celebrate this event. Participating were 2 children and 7 teenagers accompanied by a mother. The day before, on January 23, 3 children and 2 teenage girls took part in the concert of artist Jean-Claude GIANADA, accompanied by the director.
The teaching team of the administration held its weekly planning meetings.
Gardening and farming
The vegetable garden and livestock activities continue despite the drought, as the center has enough water for irrigation. Another order of chicks is pending.
The garden:
Adémè’s vegetables are no longer active in the plots. After returning from a partial leave, the gardener made new plots for the cultivation of okra and Adémè. The cabbage cultivation was unsuccessful, as insects destroyed them.
The project team is currently looking for ginger, which is expensive on the market. Cultivating ginger is necessary. Yam cultivation is also being considered.
Farming:
The team of the ‘Projects and Donations Committee’ in charge of poultry farming is making efforts to achieve the objectives. The 50 chicks purchased are all alive and healthy. According to the trainer, these first birds will be ready for consumption in less than two weeks. Despite this information, it is recommended to wait another two to three months for full maturity, which will be beneficial for cooking and recipes. In the meantime, another order of 150 chicks is underway. The management committee for this area is encouraged by the compliments and visit from the leadership. It is so delightful to see all 50 of them alive and healthy that one could almost enjoy them at first sight.
Weather
The weather is currently dry and dusty, bringing along coughs and colds. It’s the season of the harmattan. It’s hot during the day and a bit cool at night.
Done in Kpalimé, February 9, 2026
The Manager
Essoham PALANGA
