[Editor’s note: This is a letter from Simon Akouete of DRVR-TOGO, our partner in Togo. DRVR-TOGO is the Association Défi et Révolution de la Vie Rurale (Challenge and Revolution in Rural Life).]

Hello Mr. President,

I hope this message finds you and the entire dynamic P4P team well.

This container is intended not only for vulnerable populations but also, and especially, for women traders, apprentices and students, community health workers, and, most surprisingly, it’s also an essential resource for local government officials collecting municipal taxes. The P4P organization has always been a reliable and trustworthy partner.

Here is the story of a women trader.

My name is AKAKPO Yawavi Valérie, and I am 37 years old. I am married and a mother of five (three boys and two girls). I am a trader, and my main business is selling secondhand children’s clothing and traditional fabrics. Together with my husband, this business allows me to support and feed my family and pay for my children’s school fees. Every morning, I walk for miles back and forth between villages, as well as to the markets, and I always return home late at night, exhausted. Since my husband’s death seven years ago, I have had to work even harder to take care of my children alone. So, I decided to save some of my profits to buy a bicycle. Now, with my bicycle and my goods strapped to the rear rack, I not only carry twice the load I used to carry on my head, but I can also visit several villages and markets at once and make much more profit than before. I would like to take this opportunity to message to all donors and anyone who might read my words and follow my story. This bicycle, which I acquired, has saved me and allowed me to develop my business and take care of all my family’s expenses.

Here in my country, a bicycle is not only a means of transportation but also, and above all, an indispensable tool for the development and daily well-being of local communities, and most importantly, it saves lives.

Furthermore, I would also like to officially inform you that I have been elected municipal councilor for my commune following the June 2025 municipal elections for a six-year term, renewable twice.

Although I am a key player in socio-economic development and the general coordinator of the association Défi et Révolution de la Vie Rurale (Challenge and Revolution of Rural Life), whose goal is to promote social, economic, agricultural, health, and educational development among poor and vulnerable populations here in Togo, my work and my territory are becoming larger and more extensive.

On my own behalf and on behalf of my entire commune, I wish the whole team at Pedals For Progress (P4P) and especially your loyal partners all the best.

Simon Yawo Galé AKOUETE