The second edition of the SWEDD+-supported campaign will cover around 1,500 communities - nearly twice as many as in 2025.

This year, more than 150,000 girls attending public primary and secondary schools are expected to receive school kits across some 1,500 communities, particularly in the most vulnerable areas. The campaign has expanded significantly: its first edition reached 101,334 girls in 750 communities in 2025.

“Giving a girl the opportunity to go to school, learn, succeed and dream big means investing in the future of our country,” said Dr Sandra Ablamba Johnson, Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Council.

The Government of Togo launched the second edition of the national campaign on 9 September 2026 in Blitta-Gare as part of the Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus project (SWEDD+). Funded by the World Bank, SWEDD+ is implemented by participating governments with technical assistance from UNFPA.

Helping girls stay in school

For lower-income households, buying school supplies can place a significant strain on family budgets at the start of each academic year. The distribution aims to ease these costs and prevent a lack of basic supplies from disrupting girls’ education.

Figures presented at the launch show that girls’ net enrolment rate stands at 98.54 per cent, compared with 87 per cent for boys. Their completion rate has reached 90 per cent, compared with 87.19 per cent for boys.

But the aim is not simply to enrol more girls. It is also to help them remain in school, complete their education and gain access to further training and employment opportunities.

The highest-performing girls in the primary school certificate, lower-secondary certificate and baccalaureate examinations in each participating community will also receive a locally made school desk produced from recycled materials. Each desk will be equipped with a solar panel and lamp to help girls study at home, particularly in areas with limited access to electricity.

Support beyond the school year

The launch was attended by the Minister of National Education, Mama Omorou; several other members of the Government; and Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, the World Bank Division Director for Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea and Togo.

The distribution of school kits is part of a broader package of SWEDD+ interventions supporting girls and women. The project also helps provide birth certificates, equip health facilities with ultrasound equipment and deploy mobile clinics. It offers free vocational training in tailoring, hairdressing and embroidery through the École de la chance programme and plans to establish women’s centres dedicated to entrepreneurship.

These interventions share a common goal: to help girls stay in school longer and ensure they have the skills, services and opportunities they need to shape their own futures.