Adjo's Story

Adjo's classroom

Adjo is 12 years old and is in the first year of Passerelle, the pre-prep program for Togo's mainstream school system. Before enrolling in school through the PEP project, Adjo stayed at home to help her mother produce and sell gari (cassava powder) and take care of her two little brothers. On a good day she earned no more than $0.30.

When the PEP educational center opened in Adjo's village, she and her sister wished to enroll, but her mother refused because there was not enough money, and she could not lose the help around the house. In response, Adjo and her sister decided they would at least register for sewing classes at the center, because seamstressing is a high earning profession for women in Togo. But when Adjo's sister went to register for sewing, she was turned down because she could not read or write, and therefore would not be able to take orders for clients.

That was the last straw for Adjo. She understood at once that without an education she would never be able to improve her life, and continue along the same path as her mother, grandmother and all those who came before. With this in mind, Adjo's mother finally agreed to let her enrol in school, for the sake of her daughter having a better future.

Now, nine months later, Adjo can read, write and calculate in Ewé (the local dialect) and in French. When she goes to market in the district capital, she helps her mother find her way around the street and shop names in French, and she can help her read bills and instructions. In fact, Adjo at times will even help the more affluent students in her village who attend the formal public school, because Adjo's French is more fluent!

Now Adjo has a goal, of becoming a teacher to help other girls like her get on the right path. She listens to the advice of her literacy teacher, who encourages his students to be obedient, honest and serious about attaining their goals. Adjo is determined to succeed, so she can earn money and prevent her mother from further hard work when she gets older.