ATBEF: a caravan in Lomé to mark half a century of commitment to family well-being

It was in a festive atmosphere that the Togolese Association for Family Well-Being (ATBEF) launched the festivities marking its 50th anniversary on September 26, 2025. For this symbolic event, the association chose to set up a caravan along the capital's main streets. Asked about this choice, Ms. Mouhibatou Estève, ATBEF Coordinator in the maritime region, explained this local initiative.

" We have planned a lot of activities: round tables, a press conference, football matches... to increase the visibility of our institution and show the population that ATBEF has been at their side for more than half a century ," she said. The caravan thus aims to go directly to the people of Lomé to let them know that the institution intends " to always be there to help them alongside the Togolese government."

Asked about the greatest challenge overcome in five decades, the regional coordinator did not hesitate: " The biggest challenge is mobilizing resources to provide services. Nothing is free ." To address this challenge, the association has been able to count on the constant support of the Togolese government and its technical and financial partners.

While obstacles remain, the overall picture is largely positive. ATBEF's pride today is that it has held firm for 50 years. " We can be proud to be among the leading associations, if not the leading association, nationally and internationally, " said Ms. Estève, emphasizing that ATBEF's expertise is now sought after in the sub-region, particularly in youth support and comprehensive sexuality education.

However, the road ahead remains strewn with pitfalls. In addition to the " scarcity of resources ," the association must still contend with " cultural barriers ." " We live in a society where our customs are not always aligned with laws on sexual health and rights. These barriers, whatever anyone says, persist and pose a challenge for the years to come ," she acknowledged.

In conclusion, Ms. Mouhibatou Estève sent a message of gratitude on behalf of ATBEF. To the authorities, a " big thank you " and a request for continued support. To the population, a thank you for their trust, with the promise to always be there for " the development of our young people sincere thank you to the technical and financial partners , with a call for continuity, because " the fight is not yet over."

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, ATBEF, through the voice of its coordinator, demonstrates its resilience and unwavering ambition. The caravan's march through Lomé symbolizes this desire not to remain in the office, but to go out into the field to continue, for a long time to come, working for the well-being of Togolese families.

Djami A.