New Horyzon project in Togo: "Doin' it Right"
Horyzon is now also active in Togo, supporting young people who have come into conflict with the law or are at risk of doing so. The overburdened juvenile justice system in Togo poses a significant challenge: court proceedings often take far too long, and young people may spend over a year in prison for minor offenses or wait for sentencing without formal charges. There is no state-supported reintegration program following release, which increases the risk of recidivism for many of these young people.
This is where Horyzon's new project, "Doin' it Right," comes in. It offers comprehensive psychological, legal, and social support to affected youth, ensuring they are not left alone physically or mentally. At the same time, incarcerated youth and their families are prepared for the release, aiming to ensure a successful reintegration into daily life—whether in social, educational, or vocational contexts. Through targeted discussions, themed workshops, and individualized support, the project strengthens the resilience of the youth and minimizes the risk of relapse.
The project is implemented locally by employees of Horyzon's partner organization YMCA Togo. YMCA Togo has more than a decade of experience in working with young people in conflict with the law and is currently the only civil society organization working in all prisons in the country.