Fondation Secours Universel

Togo, West Africa

Led by Charity Vodjogbe

Founded in 2003 by Mama Charity, Fondation Secours Universel (FSU), also known as Orphelinat Mother Charity, supports orphaned and vulnerable children through housing, education, food security, and sustainable community development initiatives in Togo. What began as a small orphanage in Lomé has grown into a large community supporting more than 220 children. Mama Charity continues to provide care, shelter, education, and stability for children who are abandoned or brought to her by local authorities, often in urgent circumstances. She refuses no child.

The Challenge

As the orphanage continued to grow, space and resources became increasingly limited. Despite these challenges, Mama Charity has never turned away a child in need. Many of the families within surrounding communities also face severe financial hardship, limiting access to education, food, and stable living conditions. Supporting teacher salaries, housing, food production, and long-term infrastructure remains an ongoing challenge.

Hand in Hand Supports

Hand in Hand collaborates closely with Mama Charity to support long-term sustainability initiatives including:

agricultural land purchases

food production systems

orphan and child care support

educational infrastructure

teacher salary support

school development projects

sustainable village planning

community fundraising initiatives

Community Fundraising Initiatives

Phase 1 – COMPLETED

Land Purchase

The organization also helped purchase farmland north of Lomé where crops are grown to help feed children living within the orphanage.

Phase 2 – COMPLETED

Education Initiatives

Mama Charity established schools in Lomé and near the Ghana border, providing education for children and families who cannot afford schooling.

Phase 3 – ONGOING

Tové Development Projec

Mama Charity is developing a sustainable village in Tové, where children will live, learn, grow food, and build a self-sufficient future.

Tové Development Project

Building a Sustainable Village

One of the most important current initiatives is the development of a new sustainable village in Tové, located approximately 180 km northwest of Lomé. The land, generously made available through Mama Charity’s family, is being transformed into a long-term community supporting children through education, agriculture, and self-sufficiency.

A borehole has already been drilled, with plans underway for a solar-powered water pump system. The land is now being used for: fruit tree planting, crop cultivation, food production and agricultural sustainability.

The goal is to relocate children in grades 3–8 to the Tové site and create a stable, sustainable environment where children can live, learn, and thrive. Eventually, all the children will be housed and educated at Mother Charity Village in Tové.

Future development plans include

dormitories for boys and girls

classrooms

staff housing

expanded farming systems

year-round food production

Long-Term Vision

Mama Charity’s vision is rooted in dignity, education, and long-term self-reliance.

By combining education, agriculture, housing, and community development, the project aims to create a sustainable future for vulnerable children while strengthening the wider community around them.

Her work continues to impact thousands of children and families across Togo through compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every child is cared for, protected, and given the opportunity to learn. Mother Charity refuses no child. She also commits to sharing water as soon as a borehole is dug in her communities. At this time, her project impacts up to 5,000 people.

Project Impact

Orphanage established in 2003
School initiatives in Togo and Ghana
600+ children supported
80+ staff members employed
Multiple agricultural sites in development
Borehole and water infrastructure underway in Tové
- Whenever she digs a borehole, she commits to sharing the clean water with members of the surrounding communities
- Long-term sustainable village project in development

Support This Project

Your contribution helps support education, food security, housing, and sustainable community development for vulnerable children and families in Togo.

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