Authorization now required for filming in schools in Togo

In a move aimed at ensuring the protection of students, teaching staff and school infrastructure, Togo's Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education, Dodzi Kokoroko, announced last Friday new guidelines regarding photography and filming in the country's schools.

From now on, anyone wishing to take pictures or film inside schools must obtain prior authorization from the Ministry. This measure aims to ensure respect for the rights of learners, staff, as well as educational property and facilities. Furthermore, it will allow for the efficient coordination of these activities and minimize interruptions to the learning process.

To facilitate this process, two forms have been made available. The first is a filming and photography authorization document, available from regional education directorates. The second form concerns the specific authorization for the capture and distribution of images, which must be completed at the beginning of the school year by parents of students wishing to consent to the photography of their children as part of school reports.

The Minister stressed that before any publication, a copy of the material to be disseminated must be submitted to the relevant regional education directorate, in order to ensure compliance with established standards.

This decision comes as the Ministry takes steps to maintain the integrity of schools and the information disseminated about them. It follows the recent dismissal of the headmaster of Alokoègbé High School, who was punished for giving an interview to TV5 Monde about the state of school infrastructure, which allegedly violated his duty of confidentiality.

These new guidelines underscore the Togolese government's commitment to ensuring a safe and conducive school environment, while ensuring the protection of the rights and dignity of students and education staff.

THE EMISSARY