"Doin' it right"

In Togo, many young people grow up in an environment characterized by high youth unemployment, limited access to education and growing social tensions. For some of them, there seems to be no other way out than to commit petty crimes to ensure their daily survival. Due to the overburdened justice system and overcrowded prisons, young people often spend months in pre-trial detention for even minor offenses, without sufficient support and in uncertainty about their future. During this time and even after their release, they often lack guidance - with the risk of coming into conflict with the law again and slipping into a cycle of stigmatization and a lack of prospects.

"Doin' it Right" accompanies young people who have come into conflict with the law or are at risk of slipping into crime. Psychosocial support, legal advice and assistance with social reintegration help them to find their footing again, both during imprisonment and afterwards in their family environment. In addition, the young people are given access to practical education and training opportunities, for example in the trades or service sector.

A particular focus is on strengthening their resilience. The young people learn how to deal with stress, overcome traumatic experiences and resolve conflicts peacefully. Counseling and group sessions help them to build confidence in their own abilities and find new ways of dealing with challenges. The focus remains on preventing young people from committing crimes in the first place and giving them the chance to shape their own future. Mental strength and access to education are the basic prerequisites for this.