Having spent years working to train and empower “left behind” people in western Africa – those being mostly women and orphans – Crossroads’ partner now has an additional challenge in the Cameroonian part of its work. As well as continuing to provide educational opportunities and medical services to their target communities, the group is now also assisting internally displaced people as they try to re-establish themselves in more secure parts of the country.
Crossroads previously sent a container of goods to this partner which assisted them in expanding school facilities, livelihood programmes and vocational training schemes. They reported that this support helped to stabilize communities, reduce violence and unemployment, and empower women to start their own small businesses.
This NGO has once again requested assistance from Crossroads. They are particularly asking for tools both for vocational training and building of new houses and classrooms to accommodate internally displaced people settling in the region. Computers are also much needed to allow health centres to upgrade record keeping from paper files as well as being able to research more possible treatments and ask advice from specialists in larger hospitals. We will also ship school, home and office furniture, stationery supplies and clothing for new arrivals in the area.
This toddler just thought the beautiful tricycle from Crossroads’ previous shipment (still much too big for her to pedal!) was just for her. In reality, it was for her mother. With a large tray behind the seat and a carry bag attached to the tall handle, the young widow with a new baby to carry can also carry goods to sell and purchases from the market more easily and safely.
Any school is better than none! Crossroads’ partner works tirelessly to provide education for internally displaced children and others in rural areas. This shipment will include school furniture and equipment that will both extend their reach and improve standards in existing schools.
Plantations of the raffia palm (above) once provided a source of income in our partner’s target area. Now many plantations and natural stands have been destroyed in recent years of civil unrest. Replanting of palms is part of a long-term project to provide vocational training and sustainable income, firstly through agricultural best practice, then later through craft and thatching using the long fronds and also production of medicines and cleaning products using the fruit.
The shipment will also include audio and computer equipment to update and upgrade our partner’s radio station which broadcasts educational and community interest programmes in local languages.
