Children's Corner: Let's Go To Togo
Hi, my name is Brenda Mastin, and I'm a nurse at Karolyn Kempton
Memorial Christian Hospital in TOGO. Sometimes our hospital is exciting,
like when André, who lives next to the church, took down
his gun to go hunting. When he slipped, the gun fired and almost
shot his hand off. A few more inches and...well you can guess. After
several days in the hospital and thinking about his near-death experience,
André, began listening when people shared the gospel with
him. André received Christ and now regularly attends church.
I'm glad to be part of the hospital team who tells people about
Jesus.
I thought it would be cool if I shared with you what school is
like for children in TOGO.
- Most village schools are made of mud and sand or straw, and
have thatched roofs. City schools use concrete. All have open
walls to allow air to circulate.
- EVERY student from 1st grade to 12th wears a uniform. Depending
on age and the school, girls wear khaki, light blue, or checked
gingham dresses. Boys wear the same type of cloth for shirts and
pants.
- Each child must buy a little chalkboard and chalk, a few notebooks,
pencils, and pens to take to school. Students must memorize their
lessons and be able to quote them word-perfect. Only the teacher
has books to teach from.
- Most students must walk a mile or more to school twice a day,
in the morning and at noon. That's why students have two hours
for lunch, and study until 5 p.m.
- Every Wednesday and Friday afternoon, it is the children's job
to clean the schoolroom, bring more straw, water, and wood for
the school, or work the fields for their teachers.
- From day one everything is taught in French so each child is
able to speak TWO languages by the end of high school. They speak
their own tribal language at home.
Fun Facts About Togo
- People in Togo carry on their heads everything from one banana
to 500 eggs or a big basket of chickens.
- Soccer is the favorite sport in Togo.
- Worn-out tires are recycled into sandals and toys.
- One quart of milk costs 80¢, one dozen bananas 20¢,
a large pineapple 20¢, and a box of Raisin Bran(tm) costs
$8.00.
- You'd better watch your step! Poisonous snakes include the green
mamba, black mamba, viper, cobra, and python.
My name is Olivia Walsh.
I come from Ireland, and I am going to Togo as a missionary. I
will be helping boys and girls like Kwassi, who cannot walk or run
without a leg brace. While I am helping children with physical problems,
I will also be able to tell the boys and girls in TOGO about the
Lord Jesus who loves them.
Here's something I've learned: "Serving God is not a
job, it's an adventure!"
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