Togo: Children and counsellors engage through learning and play to end child marriage

A community programme was held at the Jerusalem Children’s Development Centre in Assome, Togo, as part of the 100 Days of Action to End Child Marriage. Facilitated by Ms Sronipah Nomesi, the activity brought together 60 participants, including 50 children and 10 counsellors, creating a supportive space for learning, participation, and reflection.

The session focused on building understanding of what child marriage is and why it is harmful to children’s wellbeing, education, and future opportunities. Messages were shared in simple and accessible language to ensure that children and counsellors could engage meaningfully with the discussion and reflect on their role in protecting children’s rights.

Sport and play were used as key tools for engagement throughout the programme. Sports uniforms were distributed to 30 children, followed by organised sporting activities that fostered a positive and energetic environment. These moments of play also provided opportunities to reinforce messages around dignity, protection, and the importance of creating child marriage-free communities.

The programme concluded with a pledging moment, during which 12 participants committed to taking action to end child marriage. The event highlighted the value of combining education, participation, and joyful activities to strengthen awareness and community commitment to a child marriage-free world.