Adolescents and young adults

In line with international standards, the Togolese government aims to reintegrate adolescents as quickly as possible into their family environment, with their parents if they are still alive and otherwise with their extended family, in a host family, or in a student flat.

In the SPES centers, we have teaching teams including educators and psychologists who monitor the children. The teaching staff provide services for adolescents to enable them to leave their SPES centers, which include mentoring about follow-up education, living conditions, and daily activities.

Apprenticeship or study?

At age 14, teenagers can choose between an apprenticeship or continuing their education. Our first students have already completed studies in accountancy, law, public works, and information technology.

When young people choose to serve an apprenticeship, we find them a master. SPES covers the cost of training and upkeep, such as food, clothing and, if needed, accommodation.

For each child under its care, SPES saves 10 euros per month. This is used to help young adults settle into an independent life. When young people turn 18, they have four options:

1. If they leave SPES permanently, they receive a grant depending on their stay in SPES custody
If the young person goes on to further training or education, they receive a monthly allowance.
2. If they are placed with a family, SPES gives them a monthly allowance of 20,000 CFA francs.
3. If they live independently, the allowance is 30,000 CFA francs.
4. And if they are accommodated at a SPES center, which then functions as a student hostel for them, they receive 30,000 CFA francs and have to pay rent

For comparison: 1 Euro=650 CFA francs; and the minimum wage in Togo is actually 56,000 CFA francs for a full-day job