Jim Schroder's Travel

Home
Trips

Select Page

Togo

We visited a school as kids were getting out of school

Ironically this school has classes on Sundays. Some teachers have other jobs during the week so they work weekends for the kids.

When Children are born in Western African nations they are not named until the 8th day after birth. Many do not survive these 8 days. Also in their name included is the day of the week in the local language. Had I been born here I would be Jim "Sunday" Schroder as an example. Very common. Only about 30% of the couples are married. The fathers just disappear in the child's life and the mothers are left to take care of the children.

It is fun taking photos of kids once you gain their confidence. I always show the photo of them, after I have taken the first photo, so that all can see. a photo of themselves. Many times for the first time. Then they want more photos taken as you can see. Kids are kids around the world. Some are hams and some have to be serious.

These were three brothers. The older brother in blue really wanted a photo of he and his brothers. I wish I had a way of getting a copy to him too but it was impossible.

We arrived at a small village where a visiting head of their community was visiting and watched part of the ceremony in their honoring their visiting guest.

There was music and dancing by the ladies.

The ceremony

The visiting dignitary being honored.

The ceremony coming to a close for the honored.

I always have to get a photo of the kids. They wanted their photo taken. They were delighted to see the photo of themselves. I showed the parents standing close too the photo and they smiled. We returned to the ship in the late afternoon and set said for Sao Tome and Principe next with a day at sea too..

[Show slideshow]

© 2025 Jim Schroder