Kapes Uniforms has always believed that a school uniform can be much more than clothing. It can be dignity, belonging, confidence and a bridge to opportunity. This belief was brought to life on a recent trip to Togo, where Founder Matthew Benjamin witnessed the real impact of Kapes partnerships with schools across the region.
Over several days in Togo, Matthew visited workshops, met garment makers and stood inside classrooms where a simple uniform changed everything. He was joined by Fairgreen International School, offering students a first-hand view into what ethical production and community support can achieve.
Togo, Africa, is a country where girls spend an average of just 2 – 3 years in school, and just 33% of girls go to junior high school.
A Journey That Began with Purpose
Matthew spent his first day touring the workshops run by Style Her Empowered, the organisation that produces the gifted uniforms. The women behind these uniforms are not simply workers. They are skilled artisans whose craftsmanship supports their families and strengthens local enterprise.
The visit set the tone for the days ahead. Everywhere the team went, from Dotè Kopé to Ogoudjon Schools, crowds of children welcomed them with wide smiles and pure excitement. Parents expressed sincere gratitude for uniforms that would allow their children to attend school with confidence. Teachers described how something as simple as having the right clothing improves attendance and participation.
Everyone can win. Your school makes an impact. Women in Togo gain opportunity. Children walk into classrooms with pride.
Classrooms Filled with Joy and Hope
On the last day, the team visited Agbandao and Kpehoun Schools. The turnout was the largest so far and the pride of the youngest learners was unmistakable. Kindergarten children beamed as they showed off their new uniforms. It was a moment that brought the entire purpose of Kapes into sharp focus.
Although the trip was a celebration of progress, it also highlighted the challenges many communities continue to face. Some classrooms had roofs so unstable that children had to leave whenever rain threatened. Matthew described the experience as a lesson in gratitude and a reminder of why the mission matters.
Their work is more than stitching fabric. It is stitching opportunity, dignity and hope into every garmen
Collaboration That Changes Lives
This year, Kapes donated 3,200 uniforms to children across Togo, all produced by the talented team at Style Her Empowered. Through its Dress One Give One model, Kapes empowers global communities with practical support while showing school partners what true global citizenship looks like.
In 2025, Kapes donated 3,200 uniforms to children across Togo
Fairgreen International School were among the key partners in this year’s initiative, opening the door for 1000 children to access education with dignity. Thousands of children find dignity and families receive meaningful financial support, through their partnerships with Kapes.
These partnerships were further amplified by Style Her Empowered, which celebrated the collaboration as a milestone. With Kapes donations combined with SHE’s own programmes, a total of 5,200 students received uniforms this year, more than doubling the organisation’s impact.
A Call to Schools Across the Region
Kapes now invites schools across the UAE and wider region to explore how their uniform choices can directly improve access to education. Every order supports farmers, garment makers and a child somewhere in the world who dreams of being in school. This is business with purpose at its most powerful. A sustainable uniform worn in the UAE creates a uniform of hope in Togo. A simple choice that changes a life.