Bus 44: an investment connecting more than 800 young people in Togo to education, sport and opportunity

In Kouvé, Togo, a distance of 70 kilometers can sometimes represent an invisible barrier between young people and opportunity. Through its Bus 44 initiative, Milédou aims to transform this distance into a bridge towards education, inclusion and personal development through sport. 
 
Since 2013, Milédou has used basketball as a tool for education and social inclusion. Today, the programme operates in nine communities across Togo and Côte d’Ivoire and engages more than 800 young people each season, nearly 40% of whom are girls. 
 
Despite significant progress, challenges such as school dropout, early pregnancies and youth unemployment continue to affect many communities. Mobility remains a key issue. The 70 kilometres separating Kouvé from Lomé symbolize the gap that still prevents many young people from accessing educational, sporting and professional opportunities. 
 
Bus 44 seeks to acquire a 15-seat minibus that will facilitate travel to competitions, training sessions and programme activities. Beyond reducing transportation costs, the vehicle will significantly expand access to opportunities for participating youth. 
 
The fundraising campaign allocates 75% of resources to purchasing the vehicle, 15% to registration and operational setup costs, and 10% to driver recruitment and vehicle management. 
 
More than a means of transport, Bus 44 is an investment in young people’s futures. It will help connect hundreds of youth to the opportunities needed to thrive in education, social inclusion and personal development. 
 
Support the campaign: https://www.helloasso.com/associations/leading-youth-sport-development-lysd/collectes/bus44-accelerateur-d-opportunites