Join us on an authentic, solidarity-based adventure that will open your heart and mind, combining yoga and active social action alongside an association. This solidarity trip will take you to the heart of Togolese villages, where you’ll have the opportunity to actively contribute to local development projects.
You will be helping to improve the living conditions of village populations while sharing in the village’s day-to-day life.
You will practice yoga and share it with the children and locals. This trip is a unique opportunity to take care of yourself while supporting others.
It’s a human adventure, full of privileged encounters and enriching exchanges, and a chance to discover a new way of life as you take part in daily tasks.
A solidarity journey
DAY 1
Arrival in Lomé.
A driver will meet you at the airport
Meeting with participants
Spend the night at the To go or not Togo volunteer house before leaving the next day for the Pic d’Agou.
LAST DAY
Depending on your flight departure time, you may spend the night of your departure in Lomé.
A driver will take you to the airport for your return.
TYPICAL DAY
Morning or end-of-day yoga session (except on Mama days*)
Village mission
Lunch at variable times
Time with the families and children
Dinner
We’ll adapt to the Togolese way of life
MAMA DAYS
During these days, we’ll share in the daily life of the locals and talk about their lives here at Pic d’Agou. We’ll go out into the fields with the families to help them with their daily chores (harvesting beans, peppers, planting corn…), we’ll help them prepare meals, & we’ll experience a complete immersion in their daily lives.
Our approach
Our approach is respectful and collaborative, working hand-in-hand with the association and local communities. Rather than imposing solutions, we are committed to supporting existing initiatives and responding to the needs expressed by local residents. This project is designed to be an enriching exchange for everyone, based on mutual respect and recognition of the richness of local cultures and knowledge. Our aim is to create a space where everyone can learn from each other, share experiences and strengthen local capacities in a sustainable way. We hope to generate reflection and awareness that encourages active engagement in our own communities. We believe that this unique experience can inspire lasting commitment and a willingness to contribute positively to local and global development projects.
For this trip, we’ll be on a mission to the Pic d’Agou. We’ll be in the mountains, with the highest point being Mont Agou at 986m.
We’ll be offering morning and/or evening sessions, depending on the day. We’ll be sharing the sessions with the children & local residents, so that they can discover the sport.
At this time of year, some of the children will be on vacation. We’ll be able to accompany them in their daily lives, offering a variety of activities and school support.
The cost of the retreat covers travel and agency expenses, with the rest going to the association. Classes are given on a voluntary basis.
Included in the price
Yoga classes given on a voluntary basis
To go or not Togo membership fees
Accommodation in rustic but authentic conditions
Reception at the airport and transfer
Support from the To go or not Togo team & a member of the Mood Goyave team on site
Details
This trip is for you if:
• You have a thirst for adventure and want to get involved with an association.
• You're not afraid of living and sleeping in basic conditions
• You're ready for a stay where you'll have to cook, wash dishes and take part in community life.
• You're ready to take part in an emotional human experience and a unique adventure.
Accomodation
We are committed to living in the same conditions as the locals. We'll have concrete housing: concrete floor with mats laid on top. We'll be sleeping together in the same space. This room will also be our yoga area in case of rain or wet ground outside. You'll also need to bring your sleeping bag and headlamp. There are no showers, but you can wash yourself with a bucket of water and a washcloth in complete privacy.
Food
The main basis of your meals will be starchy foods & vegetables. There's no fridge on site. Meals are not included. We'll all go shopping with the local team and volunteers, and cook our meals together. A real moment of sharing and conviviality. You'll need to budget between €50 and €75 for 8 days, plus cab fares to the market, which we'll share between all participants.
Training
This year, Alice will be offering a 15-hour mini-training program for adults in the village of Pic d'Agou who wish to discover yoga, and share it with others. The main aim will be to introduce them to the discipline and show them a few pranayamas and posture sequences that they can use in their daily lives, to soothe themselves and relieve their aches and pains after a long day's work in the fields.
Moodgoyave
Mood Goyave is our certified travel agency partner in France and abroad. Founded by Fanny with solidarity as its flagship value, Mood Goyave was born from the desire to offer enriching and sparkling experiences so that everyone can live unique moments in an inspiring environment.
To go or not to go
To go or not Togo coordinates actions to improve living conditions for local populations, with a view to their sustainable and autonomous development. Alongside these specific projects, one of their roles is to promote children's education and access to healthcare, and to encourage their personal development. Today, their aim is to take the project a step further by creating a village dedicated to welcoming children in difficulty.
The ‘highlights’ of the interlude.
Discover another culture
Create meaningful connections
Transcend borders & barriers
Precious moments of sharing
Lots of fun & dance together
School support with the children
Walks in incredible landscapes
An heart opening journey
