Marquette University High School and Divine Savior Holy Angels High School are greeted with open arms in Welou,Togo, West Africa

The 8-hour drive from Lomé to the village of Welou was full of bumps and unexpected stops. These obstacles are a small hint of what our Courts for Kids experience would entail.

Our team of students arrived in Welou and were greeted with open arms.  A group of women were singing and dancing.  Children were peering curiously at us, and the village elders led us to our home for the next week.  Our group couldn’t wait to get started.  The chief and other community members that made this trip possible gave us a brief greeting in their local language of Kabye.

After the opening ceremony, the community was eager to get to work.  Initially many of us were not sure how to help with the construction due to the sheer quantity of locals that wanted to build the basketball court.  Slowly but surely, we joined the effort. The process was very systematic; fill the mixer with gravel, sand, and cement, add water, mix until combined, transport the concrete to a section of the court, repeat.  Wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow, hour after hour, our vision slowly became a reality.  While we made rapid progress, the process didn’t come without unexpected obstacles.

As the week progressed, we started to notice that deadlines and times weren’t as strict as we are accustomed to in the US. We affectionately referred to this phenomenon as Togo time. Togo time required us to have a more flexible mindset when it came to the work. We experienced delays with materials, workers and meals, all of which forced us to slow down and focus on relationships with the team and community.

The language barrier also served as a significant bump in the road. At first, when communicating with kids, most of us relied on help from translators and hand gestures. Almost all of the kids and workers knew exclusively French and Kabye (the local language). This meant that we had to adapt. From learning simple phrases and words in French, to receiving language lessons from a local Kabye instructor named Mr. Amana, we were able to get by and form strong connections with the kids in the community, without speaking the same language fluently.

We worked hard for 3 days and were nearly finished by sunset on the third day.  The community and our group were in agreement that we would make a final push to finish the project. The day was gone, but we kept working into the night.  Headlamps and flashlights were handed out, and we continued. Just as we were about to finish, another challenge arose! We lost power, and water with it. The community scrambled to find another source, and didn’t let this halt our progress. Finally, the last load of concrete was placed.

Even though we finished the court in three days, our cultural immersion didn’t stop. The people of Welou are very proud of their culture. They put a lot of effort into showing us their customs and traditions. The first major festivity they showed us was Evala, the coming-of-age ritual for Kabye boys marking their entrance to manhood. They shared this deeply meaning rite of passage with us through singing, dancing and wrestling. They even allowed some of us to participate. The female rite of passage of Akpema followed. The women of Welou sang, danced and cheered, highlighting the importance of this ritual in Kabye culture.  Throughout the week, we were constantly surrounded by music. From listening to traditional Kabye songs in the village to celebrating Catholic Mass and even listening to a local artist, MC Key, we got a broad taste of Togolese music. Additional activities included seeing lions and elephants in the Djambe reserve, visiting the New Kara Marketplace, and speaking to students from the University of Kara.

More than anything, this experience changed our group’s perspective on the world. We learned that pure happiness and love doesn’t come from material possessions, but rather the people and community that surround you. We learned that no matter what you have, you should always be grateful and never take anything for granted. But most importantly, we were reminded that no matter how different our lives may be on the surface, we are all one.

Although we faced bumps in the road throughout our trip, the journey was what mattered. We will forever cherish our time spent on this Courts for Kids trip. 
~ Joe Walters and James Escott, High School Volunteers

Volunteer Quotes:

The experience gained from this trip cannot be gained from any other activity in the world.  Connecting with the community through sports is powerful and will change every person’s heart who comes. The moment the 25 of us stepped into Welou, the community welcomed us with open arms.  At all times, people were having fun with each other, sharing moments together that will last a lifetime.
~ Joe Walters, High School Volunteer

My favorite memory was playing soccer, my favorite sport, with locals around my age and seeing how a game can connect people who seem so different from the outside. 
~ JJ Allen, High School Volunteer

My favorite moment is the first few hours of the bus ride to the village.  Everyone had a dropped jaw while looking out the windows in realization we have no idea what we got ourselves into.  A combination of nerves, joy and what-ifs made the ride so much fun in anticipation of what was going to happen these next few days.  All those expectations were shattered in the best way possible.
~ Augie Andriusis, High School Volunteer

Before I came to Togo, I felt myself just moving through the motions of my everyday life, but the Togo people helped me slow down and enjoy the moment. Through small things like finishing the court, the Welou people helped to enhance my experience in Africa and encouraged me to bring back the positive energy to America. 
~ Jimmy Barry, High School Volunteer

People are a lot more similar than we often realize. Over the week, I spent a lot of time with the children living in Welou. They were silly, and loud and full of energy. They reminded me of kids in my own city and country and of myself. They played games, laughed, cried and enjoyed life, just like kids at home. Despite the differences in language, culture, lifestyle and the ocean dividing us, we are all still human.
~ James Escott, High School Volunteer

This trip brought out so many things in me. The kids just opened me right up there wasn’t really a chance to hold back. The kids taught me love and joy. They showed me that we should all love each other and help others find the joy deep down in each of us. I learned about myself that sometimes I hold back and I don’t give all I have to forming relationships, but these kids changed that. 
~ Jane Wermers, High School Volunteer

 I learned more about what I want to do with my life. I was always interested in politics and the global community, but this trip helped me to narrow down those thoughts and ideas. It has further inspired me to become a Peace Corps Volunteer.
~ Thomas Stilp, High School Volunteer

I understand more clearly my place in the world, which is to help and give everything I have to offer. Not just tangible things, but a smile or a conversation, or a hug, or even a moment spent together in silence. After the experiences on this trip I better understand that the foundation of humanity is human connection. That without friendships, family and love, there is no advancement in society.
~ Sofia Babovic, High School Volunteer

One kid particularly latched on to me. This kid always wanted to hold my hand and followed me everywhere. I found this strange for a teenager to hold hands with another teen. I think he was trying to make me feel welcome and safe. He definitely was helping me and I think that him helping me gave him happiness. 
~ Reed Fleming, High School Volunteer

Community Quotes:

If it needs to be done again, there will be nothing to do differently. The project was a complete success. What the community appreciated most was the teamwork during the construction of the basketball court, the physical contact during cultural activities (Evala), the dancing, etc. Young people will discover a new game (basketball), learn it, improve their skills, and be able to participate in various competitions. What the community also gained through the intercultural exchange was joy, smiles, a great atmosphere, and wonderful moments spent together.
~ Lamaniwa Yao, Head of Parents Association

The basketball court creates a recreational space, promotes cultural development, and is already an indicator of the development of our community compared to those that have not benefited from it. The welcome and exchange with the American group has allowed the development of bonds of solidarity and cooperation, as well as social and cultural progress. The exchange of contacts can lead to lasting friendships.
~ M. Badoki-Ani Kao, Headmaster of Welou Middle School

Wélou students will now have the opportunity to play basketball in their own community, rather than just watching it on TV. They'll be active participants, not just spectators. This project brings a dream to life. The project will draw in more students, and they'll have access to a variety of games, leading to a more well-rounded experience. The school's diverse facilities will enhance its reputation.
~ Akassibou Amana, Volunteer Teacher