In God's eyes, no one is invisible. Yet in everyday life, not having a document with your name on it means not existing for society. It means being left out of school, out of protection, and out of the future.
In the Savanes region of Togo, many children have no papers (known as "invisible children"). Around 31% of children in rural areas of Togo lack this essential document. Not having a birth certificate brings serious consequences to a child's life.
This year, 2026, in partnership with local organizations in the region (such as AECPVU and the Servants of the Gospel missionaries, SEMD of Dapaong), the Africa Acoge Association launched a project that succeeded in funding birth certificates for 192 disadvantaged children in the Savanes region.
The ceremony to hand over the documents to the children took place on October 3. It was held in the presence of representatives from OCDI/Caritas-Dapaong, the Diocesan Directorate of Catholic Education (DDEC) of Savanes, the Savanes Regional Directorate of Solidarity, the Togolese Press Agency, Radio Maria, as well as school principals, parents, and students.
Sister Christa Wanning, sent as a representative of the AFRICACOGE association, said that supporting this initiative also contributes to evangelization. "It's important that these children, known by God, are registered with the State," she said.
The AECPVU coordinator, Yengnagueba Maridja, explained that the initiative aims to support the government's efforts and ease the burden on parents. He also expressed his gratitude to the financial partners for their trust and support, and voiced his hope that they will continue providing assistance to reach other children in need.
Beyond paperwork or a document, what has happened is a resurrection of dignity. It's telling each of these little ones: "Your life matters, your story counts, you have a place in this world."
True mission doesn't seek applause; it seeks to be a channel for a quiet Love that restores lives, brings together people from different corners of the world, and reminds us that we are all part of the same human family.
