During the October fall break, five senior business students from Creighton University joined Global Partners in Hope (GPiH) for a business-focused journey to Togo, West Africa. The group included John Cole (Economics and Finance), Daniela Leon (Marketing and Management), Peter Pi (Marketing and Financial Planning), Dulce Costilla (Business Intelligence and Analytics), and Christian Todd (Business Intelligence and Analytics), led by GPiH team members and recent Creighton graduates Cooper Idt (Project Manager) and Tran Nguyen (Communications Director). Each student brought unique perspectives and a healthy spontaneity, making this trip not only a learning opportunity but also a rich cultural immersion.
The team began their trip in Lomé, the capital city of Togo, where they visited local markets to see firsthand how transactions and businesses operate in a developing economy. They also toured CFAO, a major car dealership holding approximately 65% of the market share in Togo, gaining insights into the country’s economic landscape. Guided by CFAO’s Albert Zilevou, the students explored the dealership, met the management team, and engaged in discussions on local economic trends and business development.
A key highlight of the trip was an in-depth visit to the GPiH-partnered health center in Agbelouvé, Togo, which operates using a franchise-like model. This visit provided valuable insights into how this model supports the health center’s operations and impacts the local community.
Led by Cephas Adzomla, an in-country civil engineer and construction company general director, the students toured the new surgical building, learning about business ownership, supply chain, and project management.
Students joined local workers in painting and assembling shelving for the storage room.
The trip was not only educational but also focused on building relationships. The students shared a meal with health center staff, providing an opportunity to exchange stories and express gratitude for the dedication of healthcare workers serving the community. Additionally, they had the honor of meeting the Agbelouvé Village Chief, where they learned more about the local culture, traditions, and values that shape this vibrant community.
Another memorable stop was at a local orphanage run by Mama Yara. Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed with smiles, hugs, and joy that left a lasting impression. Witnessing the love, care, and faith that Mama Yara and her team pour into the lives of the children, despite limited resources, was deeply moving.
In summary, this trip to Togo offered the students a hands-on exploration of business operations in a developing economy, from market dynamics in Lomé to the franchise-based model at the GPiH health center in Agbelouvé. Through site visits, direct engagement with local leaders, and immersive experiences, the students gained practical insights into international business, supply chain management, and community-based healthcare. This journey not only broadened their global business perspective but also deepened their passion for leveraging business skills to create meaningful change.