LOME, Togo — Over 20,000 school children from primary, secondary, and high schools marched on Thursday in the capital of Togo in support of teachers who are on strike to seek better working conditions.

"Education is the key to development," said one of the placards held by the students, who marched toward government offices in Lome, capital of the West African nation.

"I want the government to understand that teachers are playing a key role in the development of our country. So they deserve better working conditions," said Tengue Ahoefa, a student.

On Wednesday, Togolese trade unions started a three-day protest. The unions are under the umbrella of the "Togolese Workers Synergy" or " Synergie des Travailleurs Togolais."

Last week, hundreds of medical workers in the main central hospital of Lomé, the Sylvanus Olympio Hospital, also laid down their tools while the central mortuary of Lomé remained functioning only few hours.

The public service workers are asking for a review of their official general status and the adoption of a new minimum wage.

Over 60,000 workers are employed by the state.