"Doin' it right"

Although Togo has made significant progress in recent years, the country still faces major social and economic challenges. Youth unemployment remains high, forcing many young people to resort to criminal activities out of desperation. While most offenses are minor, the youth often end up in prison, where, due to the overloaded judicial system, they frequently wait over a year for their sentencing. Upon release, they return to their daily lives without any reintegration measures.

In this challenging environment, Horyzon has recognized the urgent need for support and, since summer 2024, has been involved in a new project. "Doin' it Right" offers comprehensive support to young people who are in conflict with the law or at risk of becoming so. This includes psychological, legal, and social counseling and care to ensure these youths are not left alone physically or emotionally. A crucial part of the project involves working with the social and family environment of the youth to prepare them for their return to society while still in detention, thereby increasing their chances of successful reintegration. Within prisons, the youth form legal clubs where they provide each other with legal assistance and receive support from volunteers and the project team.

Additionally, the project implements measures to strengthen the resilience of the youth, including educational and vocational reintegration programs. Close collaboration with state institutions and active involvement of families and other key individuals in the youths' lives help reduce the risk of reoffending after release from prison.