What if your German became a Togolese student’s chance?

Why this mission exists

What this mission will reveal to you

• ›The German Christmas carol that won over Caroline’s students in her last lesson — and why music takes away the fear of speaking.
• ›What you will discover about your own language when explaining to French-speaking students why it is “der”, “die” or “das”.
• ›How a few minutes of conversation make students want to speak when they have often only met German in books.
• ›The first words of Ewe that will make the whole neighbourhood smile: Caroline took Ewe lessons in the afternoons.
• ›The moment the class calls out “Auf Wiedersehen!” on your last day: one you never forget.
• ›Why this mission stands out on the CV of a future teacher, a language student or an intercultural professional — and gives an active retirement a new purpose.

A week on the mission

Picture yourself there: this is the rhythm Caroline lived in 2015. Yours is shaped with the team when you arrive.

1. Morning

   In class with the German teacher

   First on the back bench to observe, then at the front: conversation, pronunciation, dialogues, marking tests.

2. Noon

   Togolese cooking

   Three meals a day included, and a new dish to discover every day: Caroline fell for koliko.

3. Afternoon

   Ewe and songs

   Three times a week, Caroline learned Ewe and songs with Bossa, the association’s president.

4. Late afternoon

   Dance and drumming

   Twice a week, she joined a local troupe to learn Togolese dance.

5. Weekend

   Discover Togo

   Kpalimé, Sokodé, Kara: Caroline made the most of it to travel. Excursions are at your own expense.

Lessons follow the school calendar and the partner school’s timetable; afternoons are shaped by what you enjoy.

Ideal if…

• ✓You speak fluent German: native speaker, language studies or professional practice.
• ✓You get by in French: it is the language of school in Togo.
• ✓You are a student, a future teacher, a working or retired teacher… or simply passionate about passing things on.
• ✓You have at least two weeks, ideally during the school year.
• ✓You are at least 18: there is no upper age limit.
• ✓You enjoy community life: you will stay at the Midezon house.

Your participation and what it covers

€75 per mission week and a one-off €50 registration fee: accommodation, meals, welcome and support on site. Flights, visa, vaccinations and insurance are at your own expense.

Caroline, “Caro Caro”, in the German classes at La Maîtrise

October 2015: Caroline arrives in Togo for six weeks. At La Maîtrise school she first sits on the back bench to watch the teacher, then takes charge of the final-year lessons. Not always easy, she says, but there is always something to learn.

Going in 4 steps

1. 1

   Register

   Five minutes is enough: the “MED German lessons” project is already selected.

2. 2

   Talk with the team

   A video call about your level, your dates and the classes waiting for you.

3. 3

   Prepare your materials

   Songs, games, pictures, short dialogues: the team helps you adapt them to the students.

4. 4

   Live the mission

   Pick-up at Lomé airport, a welcome party, a meeting with the head of the school, then your first lessons.

Can’t travel?

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