GoTogo Foundation

In 2000, Pauline Versteegh decided, at the request of two missionaries in Tindjassé and Bassar, to establish the ANBI GoTogo Foundation for the benefit of refugees and displaced people in the Mô Plain in Togo.

Pauline knew that she had to live among the people in order to make real structural change possible. That is why she left the Netherlands and her career as a troublefixer behind, only returning to the Netherlands for temporary assignments (to earn money for the project) and short vacations.

After six years of working from Tindjassé and the new base in Saïboudé, carrying out the most essential tasks—providing emergency aid, listening, learning, sharing the lives of residents, and extensive consultation with the government—she developed an integrated program that was shared with the government.

The deforested and depleted land around the base was also reforested, and a nursery was started to restore local trees. The local woodcutter (licensed) received information on forest and nature management, which he used well. Many young people receive education through GoTogo.

In collaboration with the Togolese government, the Diocese of Sokodé, the mission post in Tindjassé, the Togolese people, and the refugees and displaced persons themselves, the program was implemented. It led to a new future for the refugees and displaced people.

The refugees were granted official status, the Mô Plain became a new prefecture and received governance and facilities beyond what anyone had dared to hope for. From the hell of Togo, this area transformed into a new prefecture with future prospects.

The government of Togo, through multiple ministries, many civil servants, and especially the former prefect of Sotouboua, has always made efforts to support GoTogo’s initiatives.

Since 2012, local leadership has been transferred to director Adatou (Urbain) Koré. He has been involved in the work in the Mô Plain from the very beginning.

There is still much to be done, which is why we continue to work together with all involved to improve the situation of the residents of the Mô Plain. As soon as possible, efforts will be expanded to other parts of Togo.