GRADH in Action in Togo

Best practices: promoting behavioural changes in Togolese communities through theatre performances, stories, and songs

The Reflection Group of Friends for Human Development (GRADH) (a Togolese non-profit organization created in August 2004) is encouraging the Togolese to change their behaviour through stories, songs and theatre performances on the streets.

Their strategy is to go to the people in the streets, public places, markets, churches, mosques, and schools with key messages conveyed via a script. The audience learns from the messages contained in the sketches, stories or songs, all while laughing. The themes addressed in the performances include the prevention of STIs/HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, waterborne diseases, the consequences of open defecation, the importance of vaccination, among others.

The Action of GRADH since 2015

  • In 2015 and 2016, GRADH received financial support from the Togolese Red Cross, the Swiss Red Cross, the IFRC and the European Union to raise awareness among the populations of 300 villages and cities in Togo on the prevention of cholera, malaria and Ebola virus disease. Thirty GRADH theatre troupes took part in this campaign.
  • In 2016, the Togolese Government requested a GRADH troupe to represent it at the opening of the African Summit on Maritime Security in front of several Heads of State, Heads of Government and guests.
  • In 2017, the United Nations Water System and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) requested 29 theatre troupes to raise awareness among 121,802 people from 120 localities about the consequences of open defecation and the importance of latrines in households, schools, and facilities.
  • In 2017 and 2018, Compassion Internationale Togo asked GRADH to train 14 Clubs from 14 Children’s Development Committees (CDE) to use story and song sketches to raise awareness among schoolchildren and their parents about STIs/HIV/AIDS prevention in the Yoto prefecture.

In addition to health topics, cultural groups also address themes such as peacebuilding, the culture of non-violence, living together, resilience and adaptation to the effects of climate change, educating girls and the role of women in the management of public affairs.

To ensure this communication with the Togolese populations, GRADH promotes the establishment and training of members of theatre, dance and storytelling groups. This community communication strategy for behaviour change (CCBC) involves several cultural groups in Africa, including Benin, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Congo Brazzaville, Mali, and Niger. They often participate alongside theatre companies from France, Germany, Denmark, and the USA in campaigns or festivals organized in Togo by GRADH for this purpose.

Call to Action!

Today, community communication for behaviour change through theatre performances, stories, and songs has a greater impact on the population. As is often said; “actions speak louder than words”.

GRADH is seeking the financial support from partners, wherever they may be, to raise awareness among the Togolese and African population on the following themes: peace and non-violence, consequences of illegal immigration, consequences of drugs and alcohol use on schoolchildren, environmental protection, reduction of traffic accidents, citizenship, etc.

Contact :

  • Mail : festhes@yahoo.fr, docteuretse@yahoo.fr
  • Tel. : (+228) 90102047 / 99413020
  • Skype : etse.yawo