Relationship

© René Adobah / ASSOCIATION ÉTOILE BRILLANTE DU MATIN

Some people dedicate their time and energy to making life better for others. René Adobah is one of them. René does volunteer work with children. He wants to help children in Togo, West Africa have a better future. To assist children of all ages, he founded the non-profit organization ASSOCIATION ÉTOILE BRILLANTE DU MATIN (ÉBM) (engl.: Bright Morning Star Association). René is a socio-agroeconomist and the founding president. He founded the organization in January 2022 and is committed to improving the living conditions of all people, especially orphans. The organization’s focus areas are education, health, arts, and environment.

Because it is important to provide a platform for small and lesser-known organizations and to recognize their work, I decided to interview René.

After my stay at an orphanage in Kenya in 2019, conducting this interview was very important to me. Thank you very much, René, for your important work in positively changing the lives of these children!

1. What motivated you to found the organization?

ÉBM was created in response to the poverty and vulnerability faced by orphans, underprivileged children, and women. I am committed to preventing suffering, protecting lives, and restoring human dignity so that every child can have a better future.

2. Which projects are particularly close to your heart?

There are several projects close to my heart. They all involve implementing an online or mobile incubation and training program in entrepreneurship, leadership, and IT for orphans, to ensure a better future for them.

3. What challenges does your organization face?

Our association faces three main types of challenges:

Human resources: lack of volunteers to support us on the ground by sharing their skills and expertise.
Technical: need for IT equipment and other materials for training sessions.
Financial: insufficient funding to implement the association’s activities, programs, and projects.

4. What role do (international) partnerships play?

International partners naturally play a key role by providing technical and financial support through fundraising and grants to implement our projects, programs, and activities.

5. In what areas does your organization need help?

Our association needs support in the financial and technical areas.

6. How can people help your organization?

Support ÉBM with in-kind donations: IT equipment, agroecology and bioenergy training materials. Or with financial donations: grants, fundraising, crowdfunding. Every contribution helps us empower orphans.

7. Which children does your organization support?

Our association generally supports underprivileged and vulnerable children, adolescents, and young people, with a special focus on orphans in Togo.

8. What is your vision for the coming years?

For the coming years, we plan to build strategic partnerships with foundations and corporate sponsors. When possible, we also aim to meet them in person to better present our association and secure the resources and grants needed to implement our projects and programs for orphans.

GET IN TOUCH WITH RENÉ – ASSOCIATION ÉTOILE BRILLANTE DU MATIN

📧 assoebmtogo@gmail.com
📧 adobahk@gmail.com
📞 (+228) 93 42 43 10 / 99 37 22 09
Focus areas: Education | Social | Health | Arts | Culture | Environment
René speaks French and English

On International Women’s Day, we don’t only celebrate achievements. It is also a moment to reflect on the responsibility we have toward one another—especially as women, both in our professional lives and in our personal lives.

True strength is not shown by holding others back. It is shown by creating space—space for ideas, for growth, and for different personalities to thrive.

Women in positions of influence have a unique opportunity. They can use their voice and their position to create something meaningful. To support younger women who are just taking their first steps, trying to find their place, their confidence, and their path. Sometimes, small gestures make the biggest difference: honest feedback, mentorship, encouragement, or simply being someone who listens.

Empowerment also means creating environments where people feel respected and safe to grow. This message is especially for the women who consciously work to build workplaces where employees do not wake up in the middle of the night with panic attacks at the thought of having to return to work the next day. Leadership should never create fear or emotional distress.

It is also a moment to reflect on how we treat one another. Power should never be used to make other women feel like they are never enough—never capable enough, never worthy enough. True leadership does not diminish others; it lifts them, encourages them, and allows them to grow.

ALSO INTERESTING: Looking for inspirational stories of women I have interviewed so far? What about Najwa Zebian who uses her voice to speak for the silenced? Or, the story of Megan Faicloth, who studied at Stanford after being homeless for several months? And, Ashley Eakin who challenges the traditional film industry and advocates for diversity and visibility? Enjoy!

Empowerment also means embracing diversity among women. Not every woman is the same—and that is a strength. Different personalities, perspectives, and ways of approaching life enrich our communities and our workplaces. No one should be dismissed or belittled simply because she is different.

Empowerment does not only begin in the workplace; it begins at home as well. With the women who dedicate themselves to raising children, teaching them values, empathy, and strength so they can grow into thoughtful and compassionate people.

And beyond work and family, it lives in our friendships too. True friendship is built on loyalty, respect, and genuine support. It means celebrating each other’s successes, standing by one another during difficult times, and creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard.

When women uplift each other with sincerity and respect, we create communities built on trust rather than competition.

Women supporting women is not just a phrase. It is a choice—one we can make every day.

Category: Relationship

INTERVIEW: RENÉ ADOBAH – ASSOCIATION ÉTOILE BRILLANTE DU MATIN – ASSO ÉBM x ABYLOVESBLOGGING