Mary Lembo, a psychologist and nun from Togo, researches sexual and psychological abuse of religious women in Africa. Since August, she advises the Vatican’s Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life on protection measures. Her studies in West and East Africa reveal that victims often stay silent due to fear of retaliation, expulsion, or blackmail. Lembo clarifies that vows of obedience do not require blind submission to priests. She notes a positive shift toward implementing safeguarding policies and legal support in countries like Kenya, following public recognition by Pope Francis in 2019.
In northern Togo, Pastor Kodjo is providing audio and print Bibles to thousands of Christians displaced by attacks from radical Muslim militants. The violence has forced many to flee their villages, with Kodjo’s church currently supporting 200 displaced believers. Despite hearing gunfire and witnessing killings, the pastor refused advice to leave, stating he remains where God called him. A front-line worker reported that the community was excited to receive the scriptures, which have served as a significant encouragement to the believers during this time of persecution and instability.
A missionary team led by an IMB worker traveled to West Africa to train local Deaf leaders. These believers are now sharing the gospel, baptizing new converts, and establishing regular church groups. The team states that God has equipped these individuals to continue the ministry independently. They are now preparing to train additional leaders in East Africa to multiply their efforts and develop the next generation of Christian leaders in the region. The outlet encourages supporters to pray for the wisdom and courage of these emerging leaders as they expand their work across multiple countries.
The Sisters of Mother of God the Apostles are implementing ecological initiatives in Togo and Ghana. In Togo, near Mount Agou and Sokodé, the sisters restore soil health through vegetable gardening and poultry farming to combat drought and degradation. Local communities participate in these efforts. In Ghana, the sisters, led by Sister Dorcas Obeng, address illegal gold mining, known as galamsey, which has destroyed forests and polluted rivers. Their work in Bepoase and Attronie includes reforestation, environmental education for children, and supporting affected residents. The initiative aims to protect health, ensure food security, and promote ecological justice through collaboration with local churches and civil society.
The OLA Sisters are implementing ecological initiatives in Togo and Ghana. In Togo, communities engage in soil cultivation, vegetable gardening, and tree planting to combat heat and soil degradation. These efforts aim to improve food security and restore the land. In Ghana, the sisters address illegal gold mining, known as galamsey, which has polluted rivers and destroyed forests. Led by Sr. Dorcas Obeng, the team focuses on reforestation, environmental education, and advocacy in affected areas like Bepoase. The work involves collaboration with local churches and civil society to protect natural heritage and support communities facing health and livelihood challenges. These actions demonstrate a commitment to caring for creation and people.
Catholic Relief Services supports displaced families in a northern region of Togo through a local aid project. The initiative provides food vouchers and assistance to vulnerable populations, including refugees and internally displaced persons. One beneficiary fled conflict in a neighboring country with her children. She arrived in Togo pregnant and struggled with severe hunger and illness. The aid allowed her family to access nutritious meals, improving the children's health and dignity. The project operates in a specific prefecture, benefiting approximately 2,800 people in partnership with a local Caritas organization. This support helps families regain stability amid ongoing uncertainty.
The Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need funds hundreds of summer camps across multiple nations, serving tens of thousands of children and young people. The initiative targets regions devastated by war and displacement, with participants primarily coming from areas experiencing severe instability. These programs provide essential pastoral care, protection, and healing for youth, including many refugees and those with disabilities. Additionally, the foundation supported thousands of participants in other pastoral activities in various other countries. Local church leaders state that these camps offer a vital space for hope and normalcy amidst ongoing conflict and displacement.
Aid to the Church in Need reports that its supported summer camps and pastoral activities reached 38,861 children and young people worldwide this year. The initiative focuses on regions affected by war and instability, with areas in the Middle East and Eastern Europe accounting for more than 85% of participants. The foundation supported 407 camps through 46 projects, alongside nine other initiatives in North Africa, the Middle East, West Africa, and South America. Organizers describe these events as vital spaces offering protection, healing, and hope for youth, particularly those with disabilities or displaced by conflict, allowing them to experience normalcy and joy away from their difficult home environments. (Source: Aid to the Church in Need USA)
A major international health conference concluded with urgent calls for health justice. Speakers highlighted severe challenges in various developing nations, including disease outbreaks, HIV impacts on children, and disability inclusion efforts. Representatives warned that sovereign debt in several countries diverts critical funds away from healthcare, disproportionately harming women and youth mental health. The organization urges international institutions to address these structural barriers to public health. The discussion emphasized the need for equitable resource distribution and systemic reform to protect vulnerable populations from the compounding effects of economic debt and health crises.
In Benin and northern Togo, agroecology initiatives are strengthening social justice by supporting rural communities, particularly women and youth. In Allada, Benin, the Casa Grande Christian association's project enabled 23 households, mostly female-led, to establish over 1,000 square meters of ecological vegetable gardens. Through training and kits, participants gained skills in sustainable production and biofertilizer creation. This provides healthy food and additional income, increasing women's influence in household decisions. According to the outlet, these efforts demonstrate how agricultural practices can drive social transformation and improve living conditions for vulnerable groups.
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