Theme: Inhabit creation differently
Place: Protestant College of Kpalimé
Country: Togo
Date: 20 - 26 July 2026
Organisator : Cevaa
Representatives of the Presbyterian Church of Mauritius : Michel Dennemont and Sophia Placathose
We represented the Presbyterian Church of Mauritius at this international youth camp in order to take part in training sessions, share about our church, develop partnerships and strengthen ties with the other participating churches.
Day 1
Welcoming the delegations
We arrived at the Presbyterian Synodal Block of Togo on Sunday 19 July at around 8.00 pm, where we met youths from Senegal and other delegations. As it was getting late, we spent the night there.
The next morning, we set off for the Protestant College in Kpalimé, whilst learning the songs that would be used during the camp. We arrived at around 9.15 am and settled into our rooms before having breakfast.
Unfortunately, we were unable to attend the camp’s opening ceremony, which was taking place at the church. Afterwards, we met the other participants and introduced ourselves.
In the evening, a traditional concert was organised, featuring songs and dances performed by the participants and Togolese choirs. It was a time of joy, sharing and cultural discovery.
Day 2
On the second day, we attended a presentation led by Ms. Nora Noviekou on how to live differently and find ways to transform our communities. This enriching discussion also gave some participants the opportunity to talk about the disasters their countries had experienced and to brainstorm solutions together.
We then took part in two sessions: one with Honoré Nomanyo on the Youth Hackathon, to create digital solutions to environmental and educational challenges, and one with Yannick Abodah on agroecology and creativity, focusing on new ways of cultivating, protecting and making the most of the land. Michel chose the Hackathon group, whilst Sophia joined the Agroecology group, where several experiments were carried out.
Day 3
On the third day, we attended a talk by Charlotte Pasgo on the topic of young people facing the challenges of global warming. This session gave us a better understanding of our role and the actions we can take in the face of climate change.
After that, we attended another talk by Marc Rossier on ecological justice and our responsibility. This gave us a better understanding of climate inequalities and the importance of taking action for social justice.
We then continued to learn and take part in various activities within the Hackathon and Agroecology groups. We also had the chance to learn how to make a rattan basket, which was a very enriching experience.
Finally, we had the opportunity to join the Cevaa 2026 choir, which had been formed there. We had several rehearsals to prepare for the concert.
Day 4
On the fourth day, we had the opportunity to discover different cooking methods as well as traditional Togolese dishes, including zowoé, hablo and kotomiré. We also had the chance to cook together and discover the various local ingredients.
After that, we learnt how to make beads and bracelets, which was a very rewarding experience. Finally, the agroecology group took part in a game about climate change.
Day 5
On the fifth day, we went on an outing to visit the Kpimé waterfall and Château Viale. We ended our outing at the Kpalimé Craft Centre, which has since become the College of Art and Craft Education (CEAA) and is a leading centre for art and craft in Togo. We had a wonderful time, filled with joy, singing and dancing, and we also had lunch there.
After returning to the college, we had a few discussions about what we could do in our communities after the camp, using everything we had learnt.
In the evening, the big concert by the CEVAA International Choir took place and we were lucky enough to take part.
Day 6
On Saturday, we took part in a hands-on workshop during which the Hackathon and Agroecology groups presented everything they had learnt over the course of the week. Afterwards, together with the Agroecology group, we helped to clean up the paths and the area around the school, picking up garbage and plastic.
Next, there was a big football match between the young people from the Cevaa camp and a team of young people from Togo. In the evening, a cultural and dance event was organised, during which we had the opportunity to showcase our culture through a dance.
Jour 7
Our final day, on Sunday, was marked by a service of thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time, discovering different choirs, enjoying dances and sharing some truly special moments.
After that, we went back to get ready for our departure. It was a moment filled with emotion and sadness following our stay in Togo. We then returned to the Synod block to spend a few hours together before heading back to the airport.
We also had moments of meditation every day. We would gather in different groups to discuss and reflect together on the Bible and creation.
We learnt a lot during our stay in Togo and we would like to highlight everything we discovered during this camp. We were particularly struck by our role as Christians in protecting creation.
God calls on all of us to care for Earth and Nature. Although this message was addressed to Adam, it applies to each and every one of us. It is our responsibility to protect and care for Nature, for it is a gift from God.
We have also gained a better understanding of the challenges posed by climate change and have been encouraged to think about alternative approaches to creativity and to find solutions to better protect our environment.
We would like to thank the Presbyterian Church of Mauritius for giving us the opportunity to take part in this camp. We would also like to thank Cevaa for this enriching experience and for all the lessons shared throughout our stay.
May God bless you all, and thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
What’s next?
Following this camp, we want to put what we have learnt into practice in our community. We would like to raise awareness amongst youths about protecting creation and the environment through practical actions, clean-up days and creative workshops.
This camp is therefore not just a wonderful experience we had in Togo, but also a starting point for reflecting on what we can do, each in our own way, to experience creation differently and to care for the world that God has entrusted to us.