The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially donated a four-classroom school building and sanitary facilities to Togo’s Lycée Hangoumé in a handover ceremony held on April 17, 2026. The event included cultural celebrations, music, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude from local leaders and community members.
The ceremony was attended by government officials and community leaders, including Mr. Gomado Kwame Gbloekpo, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Territorial Administration and Local Development, and Alfred Kyungu of the Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and President of the Africa West Area, headquartered in Accra, Ghana. Also present were Mr. Anenou Ayikoe Martin, Mayor of the Lacs 4 Municipality, along with education officials and representatives of the local community.
Elder Kyungu and Minister Gomado cut the ribbon to mark the official handover on 17 April 2026.
Elder Kyungu and Minister Gomado cut the ribbon to mark the official handover on 17 April 2026.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The donation includes a modern building with four fully equipped classrooms, as well as an administrative block with a teachers’ meeting room and an office for the school principal. Each classroom is furnished with desks, ceiling finishes, and proper ventilation, helping to create a safe and comfortable learning environment for students.
The project also includes a borehole with a water tank and a sanitary block containing eleven restroom units. These facilities provide separate accommodations for girls, boys, male teachers, female teachers, and one unit designed for persons with disabilities.
Before these new facilities were built, Lycée Hangoumé faced significant challenges with overcrowded classrooms and poor sanitation. The existing classrooms were designed for a maximum of 45 students, but at times more than 100 students were packed into a single class, making learning difficult for both students and teachers.
In addition, the school lacked proper toilets and access to clean drinking water. This led to ongoing health and hygiene concerns, and a high rate of absenteeism due to hygiene-related illnesses. Students and teachers were often forced to go into the bush to relieve themselves, which was both uncomfortable and undignified.
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With the new building, the number of students per classroom has been reduced to about 50, creating a more manageable and supportive learning environment. The new toilets, along with reliable access to water, have restored a sense of dignity and are expected to significantly improve health and well-being for the entire school community.
Upon his arrival for the handover ceremony, Elder Kyungu was welcomed in accordance with local traditions. A symbolic procession led him beneath an arch of palm branches, reflecting the community’s appreciation and respect for the Church’s partnership and service.
In his remarks, Elder Kyungu emphasized that the project reflects the Church’s commitment to serving others as taught by Jesus Christ.
“The Church is determined to unite its efforts with individuals and organizations that share the same values in order to serve sacred causes,” he said. “The needs of the human family are immense, and no single organization can meet them alone. By working together, we can extend God’s love to all His children.”
He explained that the Church’s humanitarian efforts are motivated by faith and by a desire to follow the Savior’s teachings, quoting President Dallin H. Oaks:
“We have been commanded to help our neighbors and those who are in need.”
Elder Kyungu also highlighted the importance of education and hygiene:
“This project is not only about buildings; it is about building futures. Education empowers individuals, strengthens hope, and enables people to contribute meaningfully to society.”
He added that members of the Church around the world, including in Togo, contribute to humanitarian efforts as an expression of their love for God and for their neighbors.
“We do not serve for recognition,” he said. “We serve because we follow the example of Jesus Christ, who cared for the poor, the sick, and those in need. Today, we celebrate a project that reflects these principles and brings lasting benefits to families and communities.”
Following Elder Kyungu’s address, local officials and education leaders expressed deep appreciation for the Church’s generosity. They noted that the donation represents more than physical structures—it is also an investment in the education of young people who will become the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow.
The ceremony concluded with a tour of the new facilities and a symbolic handover of keys. The keys were passed from representatives of the Church to government authorities, local leaders, school administrators, and finally to the community—highlighting that the people of Hangoumé, especially the students, are the true beneficiaries of the project.