Cameroon: Crossroads computers open new technology centre
Amina (below) was only 13 years old when she was raped and fell pregnant to her attacker. Her family rejected her and she had no way to support her child. Even finding clothes for the baby was beyond her.
Thankfully, an NGO met Amina and took her into their programmes. They found her a home, and gave her clothes for her and her baby, but they knew her most important need was for a way to fund her future.
“She could hardly read or write,” they said, “but now she is registered with our training centre and is learning how to sew.” With these skills, Amina has the chance to make a real life for herself and her child.
When the NGO that helped Amina requested a shipment from Crossroads, they told us that building a computer centre to serve the area’s children and vulnerable women like Amina was high on their list of priorities.
“Without some kind of training or job skills, many single mothers can’t support their families at all,” they said.”We also help keep orphans in school by sponsoring their education, helping them with uniforms, school supplies and so on.”
When Crossroads’ shipment arrived, even torrential tropical rains couldn’t hold back their eagerness to start using the goods immediately! “The heavy rains have disturbed our distribution, but we have started some programmes already,” they wrote.
“With the computers, we are running women and kids for our school,” they told us. “Many of the kids have never seen a computer before and they are so excited to work on them!”
Stationery, toys and school bags were also received with excitement (above), to distribute to children affected by HIV/Aids who frequently drop out of school because they can’t afford fees, supplies and uniforms!
We’re grateful to shipping company Maersk, who generously sponsored this shipment.
Want to sponsor an international shipment?
We have several international shipments ready to set sail and waiting for sponsors! Your company, club, organisation or family can make a shipment happen.
Email us at partnerships@crossroads.org.hk for a list of partnership opportunities.
Cameroon Snapshot
Population: 22.25 million
Capital: Yaoundé
Cameroon is in the west Central Africa region, with natural features including beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests, and savannas.
Although the country as a whole has improved standards of literacy and healthcare, there is still a long way to go. Less than half of children go on to secondary education, and over 40% are involved in some kind of child labour. In rural areas, less than half the population has access to clean water and sanitation.
South Africa: Investing more in slum communities
WHO IS THIS SHIPMENT HELPING? In a slum on the outskirts of a South African city, a community group reached out to...
Sierra Leone: Investing in the nation's future
After the end of Sierra Leone’s extended civil war, a group of people who wanted to help the country rebuild decided...
Ukraine: The poor help those even poorer
Crossroads’ Ukrainian partner has, for many years, been working to bridge the gap between rapidly developing cities and rural communities that...
