74
1 SHUMAS-CAMEROON 2015 ANNUAL REPORT P.O. Box5047, Nkwen, Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon Website: www.shumas-cameroon.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 677-75-56-30
1
SHUMAS-CAMEROON
2015 ANNUAL REPORT
P.O. Box5047, Nkwen, Bamenda,
North West Region, Cameroon
Website: www.shumas-cameroon.org
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 677-75-56-30
2
1. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AFOP : Appui à la Formation Professional
AFOA : Appui à la Formation Agricole
ANAFOR : Agence Nationale d'Appui au Développement Forestier
CAMSO: Cameroon Support Organization
CBOs Community Based Organizations
CIG: Common Initiative Group
MINADER: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
MINSANTE: Ministry of Public Health
MINSEC: Ministry of Secondary Education
MINEDUB: Ministry of Basic Education
MINEPIA: Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries
MINEFOP: Ministry of Vocational Training and Employment
MINEPROFF: Ministry of Women Empowerment and the Family
MINEE: Ministry of Water and Energy
MINEP: Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection
NESTCAM: Network of Environmental Stakeholders of Cameroon
NWADO: North West Association of Development Organisations
REDD: Reduce Emission Deforestation and Degradation
R-PP: Readiness Preparation Paper
RTC: Renewable Energy Technical Center
SEP: School Environmental Project
SHUMAS : Strategic Humanitarian Services
SNV: Netherlands Development Organization
VDA: Village Development Association
FIOH : Future In Our Hands
PAIDWA: Pan African Institute for Development of West Africa
MDGs: Millennium Development Goals
FIOH: The Future is in Our Hands
WEP: Women Empowerment Program
3
2. INTRODUCTION
Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS) Cameroon is a locally based not for profit
Development Non-Governmental organization with its head office located at Mile Six
Nkwen, Bamenda. It was recognized in 1997 per the 19 90 law of association under
authorization number 1082/E.29/IIII/VI.7/APPB. In 2013 she was recognised as a Non-
Governmental Organisation under decree number
00000196/A/MINATD/SG/DAP/SDLP/SONG
SHUMAS is focused on Integrated Sustainable Rural Development with the aim to
support the action of the Cameroon Government to improve lives, reduce poverty and
empower people to realize the fullest of their potentials without limiting posterity from
meeting theirs. To achieve this vision of Integrated Sustainable Rural Development,
SHUMAS has 8 programs that propel her to reach this goal, these include inter alia:
- The Education Program
- Social Welfare Program,
- Agricultural Program
- Women Empowerment Program
- Environmental Program,
- Water and Sanitation Program
- Health Program,
- Volunteering Program
This report contains an executive summary, which provides brief information on the
achievements of 2015, the detailed achievements with photos of each program,
workshops SHUMAS participated in, SHUMAS partners, awards received by SHUMAS
in 2015, challenges faced and way forward.
4
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. EDUCATION PROGRAM SUMMARY
Construction and equipping of schools
➢ 34 classrooms, 3 offices, 8 toilet blocks with hand washing facilities have been
constructed in 13 schools, across the national territory
➢ 12 classrooms and 4 toilet blocks with hand washing facilities undergoing construction
presently in 5 school
➢ 213 benches and 112 small chairs and 12 tables for students, pupils and kids, 29 teachers’
tables, and 29 teachers’ chairs were provided to the schools constructed.
➢ 29 drinking peals and cups provided for some classrooms and 5 school environmental
projects instituted.
Improve Hygiene and sanitation in schools
➢ 8 toilet blocks ranging from 3 to 4 compartments constructed.
➢ Hand washing facilities were attached to all toilets constructed.
➢ Extended potable water to 2 schools constructed
Established School environmental gardens
A School Environmental program was established in the 5 of the schools constructed, 3
secondary schools and 2 primary schools. The objective of this program is to inculcate values of
environmental protection and management through practical training on tree nursing/planting
and organic farming in the students. Farm tools such as hoes, cutlasses watering cans and
crop/vegetable seeds were provided for the school gardens.
i. Scholarship
Scholarships were provided to 80 underprivileged children from primary, secondary, high school
and universities.
4.1 AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM
i) Training
• 70 youths are presently receiving training on agro pastoral activities under the
SHUMAS-AFOP training program.
• 78 peasant women farmers were trained on pig and sheep
production/management and on how to use manure for crop and vegetable
farming
5
• 34 Cameroonians from 6 regions were trained as trainers in the first international
renewable energy course at the newly created Renewable Energy Technical Center
in the SHUMAS BIOFARM
• THE Governor of the North West Region, Lele Afrique Inaugurated tge SHUMAS
renewable energy projects at the SHUMAS Biofarm centre
• SHUMAS BIOFARM training centre received 160 students on study visit
• 10 students from professional schools and universities carried out internship for
degree and Masters program
• SHUMAS established school gardens and provided garden equipment in 2 schools
constructed by SHUMAS
• 27 People with special needs were practically trained on climate smart agriculture
ii) School gardens
This year SHUMAS established school gardens in 5 schools and provided farm
equipment to each benefiting school
4.2 SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAM
i) SHUMAS Vocational Rehabilitation Center
• This year the SHUMAS Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Mile 6 Nkwen enrolled
26 people with special needs and trained them on 7 varying skills adaptable to
their disability
• 8 trainees graduated from the training centre and were supported with start-up
materials and equipment to enable them set up their workshops
• Impact assessment was carried out for ex-trainees who had graduated in the
previous years and are working in their communities.
4.3 HEALTH PROGRAM
i) Training of nurses for rural community health centers
A total of 47 nurses have benefited from the program. 19 are currently on training
while 28 are working in their rural community health centres.
ii) Construction/rehabilitation and equipping of rural health centers
• SHUMAS constructed a seven room structure, equipped it and employed a state
registered nurse for the centre.
• Refurbished and equipped the Islamic Integrated Health centre in Sabongari
• Equipped Dom health centre and provided a trained nurse through the SHUMAS
spreading health and brought in a doctor who did free consultations in the
community for a week.
6
• Provided health equipment to Ngoring health centre and constructed a toilet block
of 4 rooms and 4 showers.
iii) Promoted hygiene and sanitation
• Constructed 3 toilets blocks in 3 schools constructed this year so far
• Provided hand washing facilities attached to the 3 toilet blocks constructed
• Extended potable water to 2 schools constructed.
iv) Facilitation of Doctors from abroad to provide free treatment in rural health
centers
• Facilitated the placement of a Medical Doctor from the UK in Dom community,
Nkor Sub Division , to provide free consultation to community.
V Monitored vaccination activities in 5 districts in the North West Region .
Vi As an interface structure for MINASANTE in the North West Region 89
organizations and associations working in the health domain were identified by
SHUMAS and reported to MINSANTE .
4.4 ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
i. School Environmental Project
Established School Environmental Program in 5 schools, In each of these schools
students were practically trained on tree nursing, composting, crop rotation and
environmental management in general. Farm tools (hoes, cutlass, watering cans,
seeds etc.) were also given to these schools to facilitate execution of the School
environmental program.
ii. Renewable Energy Technical Center (RTC)
The Governor of the North West Region Launch the RTC in the SHUMAS
BIOFARM.
34 people from 6 Regions participated in the first international training at the RTC
center and were trained as trainers.
Feasibility studies were carried out in 6 communities with the intension to expand
the project to these communities.
iii. World Environmental Day
7
SHUMAS s took 2nd position amongst all organisations in Cameroon at the
exhibitions of environmental sustainability strategies initiatives during the world
environment day of 2015 in Yaoundé.
4.5 WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
i. Micro credit scheme
52 women Groups with an average membership of 30 women were granted loans
for the first half of this year ranging from 100,000 to 600,000 FRS through the
SHUMAS micro credit scheme. This is aimed at empowering women economically
to improve on their living conditions and that of their families.
ii. Micro enterprise development
-Capacity building sessions were carried out with 60 women on strategies in
converting locally grown foods like bananas and plantains into cakes, flour and
chips for variation, storage, and sale.
-Over 72 women also benefited from training on pig and sheep production and all
went home with a female lamb or piglet to start and practice what was learnt at
the workshop. They will intend pass on the female of either of them to other
women next year
4.6 WATER AND SANITATION PROGRAM
i. Water
• 6 wells were constructed in the North and Far North Regions of Cameroon.
• Portable water was provided to 2 schools constructed
ii. Sanitation
• 8 toilet blocks ranging from 3 to 4 compartments constructed.
• Hand washing facilities were attached to all toilets constructed.
4.7 VOLUNTEERING
SHUMAS also continued to open its doors to national and international
volunteers as well as students from universities and professional institutions on
internship. This year 15 students from professional and institutions of higher
learning had internship placement in SHUMAS. 5 National volunteers are
currently gaining skills in development work through SHUMAS, 20
international volunteers contributed in one way in SHUMAS activities this first
5. SHUMAS ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2015
8
5.1 : EDUCATION PROGRAM
4.1.1 Problems addressed by SHUMAS:
While primary and secondary education are free in government-run schools in
Cameroon, the burden of providing adequate learning infrastructure and sufficient
teaching staff falls on parents and communities. As a result of this situation, education in
rural and urban poor areas faces numerous challenges, such as:
➢ a lack of school infrastructure and dilapidated structures;
➢ insufficient and/or unequipped classrooms;
➢ insufficient trained teachers;
➢ Lack of water and poor sanitation in schools.
This situation leads to:
➢ poor performance by pupils in rural and urban poor schools;
➢ high rates of school drop outs in rural schools;
➢ crowded classrooms leading to poor handwriting and eventual failure;
➢ Risky learning environments in dilapidated structures.
Global and National Agenda on education
Education plays a vital role in the development of the nation ans clearly defined in
Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to promote inclusive and equitable
quality education, and promote long life learning opportunities for all.
Also the Cameroon Growth and Employment Strategy paper focuses on human and
infrastructural development . The Government of Cameroon has equally created an enabling
environment for NGOs to participate in achieving this development goals.
4.1.2 SHUMAS’ Interventions:
To address these issues and achieve its objective of universal education for all, SHUMAS
undertakes the following initiatives:
i. Improving school infrastructure through the construction of classrooms, rehabilitation
and equipping of dilapidated structures and the construction of modern toilet blocks and
stores
ii. Providing scholarships to underprivileged children at the nursery, primary and higher
education levels
9
iii. Inculcating values of environmental management in pupils and students through practical
training on organic farming and tree planting techniques and the provision of equipment
for school gardens and farms
iv. Improving water and hygiene situations in schools by providing drinkable water to
schools and Providing hand washing facilities and drinking pails to schools
8. Components of the Education Program
The education program in SHUMAS has 4 components
a. Construction and equipping of schools
b. Hygiene and sanitation
c. Scholarship
d. School Environmental Project
9. Overall objective of the education program:
To contribute towards the achievement of universal education for all through the provision of
scholarships to underprivileged children and through the construction, rehabilitation, and
equipping of dilapidated educational structures.
10. Specific objectives of the education program:
➢ To improve the performance of pupils in rural schools
➢ To reduce the school dropout rate in rural schools
➢ To reduce congestion in classrooms
➢ To create safer structures and learning environments for students and teachers
➢ To improve the sanitation and hygiene situation in rural and poor urban schools
4.1.5 Achievements to improving school infrastructure
4.5 Achievements in 2015
4.5.1 Infrastructure Projects in 2015
Government Technical College Nkeung, Bamenda III Sub Division Mezam NWR (constructed
3 classrooms, a toilet block of four compartments ,classes equipped with 27 benches 3 teachers
tables and 3 teachers chairs ,drinking cups and pales and garden equipment.)
10
Before Intervention after Intervention
1. Government Technical College Ntigi, Tubah Sub Division (constructed 4 classroom equipped
with 27 benches,3 tables and 3 chairs, drinking cups and pales, one toilet block of four
compartments and school garden equipment)
Before Intervention after intervention
2. Catholic Nursery School Manjo (constructed 2 classrooms, an office, store, an internal toilet,
48 chairs, 8 tables for kids , 2 tables and chairs for teachers, drinking cups and pales)
before intervention After Intervention
3. Government Technical School (GTC) Mbiame, Mbven Sub-Division in Bui Division of North
West Region (construction of 2 works, a toilet block with 4 compartments, improvement in
school garden and school equipment)
11
Uncompleted classroom Workshops constructed by SHUMAS
4. Government Nursery School (GNS) Ntoh Mbiame, Mbven Sub-Division in Bui Division of
North West Region (construction of 2 classrooms, an office, 32 chairs and 4 tables for kids, 2
teachers tables and chairs, 2 drinking peals and cups, a toilet block with hand washing
facilities)
Palace hall used before situation after
5. Presbyterian School (PS) Rifem, Mbven Sub-Division in Bui Division of North West Region
(construction of 2 classrooms, improvement in toilet block to include hand washing facility,
improvement in school garden and school equipment)
12
Situation before situation after intervention
6. Islamic Primary School (IPS) Rifem, Mbven Sub-Division in Bui Division of North West Region
(construction of 4 classrooms and an office, provision of 27 benches, 3 teachers tables and
chairs, 4 drinking peals and cups and the school environmental program)
Situation Before situation after intervention
7. Baptist Secondary School Sabongari (BSS) Nwa sub division, Donga Mantung Division, North
West Region. ( construction of 4 classrooms and a toilet block with hand washing facilities,
60 benches, 4 tables and chairs for teachers)
13
Situation before situation after intervention
8. Government Secondary School (GSS) Nchemba II Upper Bayang sub division, Manyu
division South West Region. (construction of 2 classrooms and an office, 18 benches, 3
tables and chairs, 2 drinking peals and cups)
Situation before situation after intervention
9. Government Nursery School (GNS) Nchemba II Upper Bayang sub division, Manyu division
South West Region. (construction of 2 classrooms and a toilet block, 32 chairs and 4 tables
for kids, 2 tables and chairs, 2 drinking peals and cups)
Situation before situation after intervention
14
10. Ecole Publique de Salle (EP) Dounmaintang sub division, Nyong division East Region
(construction of 3 classrooms, a toilet block, 27 benches, 3 tables and chairs, 3 drinking peals
and cups)
Situation before situation after intervention
11. St. Maria Sylvestra Catholic Technical College Trypano Batouri Kadey Division East Region
(construction of 2 classrooms)
The only school building before SHUMAS Intervention Situation after intervention
12. Government Secondary School Mongo-nam (CES) Batouri sub division, Kadey Division East
Region. (construction of 2 classrooms, 2 chairs and tables for teachers)
15
Situation before situation after intervention
4.5.4.1 Ongoing Projects
5 schools are under construction at the moment under the school construction projects. 2 of the
schools are in the North West Region, 2 in the North and 1 in the West Region.
13. Ecole Publique (EP) Bagara, Yagoua sub division Mayo-Danay division Far North Region.
(construction of 3classrooms and a toilet block)
Situation before Situation now
14. Ecole Publique (EP) Kro Waiffi, Guidiguis Sub-Division, Mayo-Kani Division of the Far North
Region (construction of 3 classrooms and a toilet block)
Situation before Situation now
16
15. Government Technical High School Bamendakwe (GTHS), Bamenda I sub division,
Mezam North West Region (construction of 2 workshops)
.
Situation before present situation
16. Government Secondary School Banshie (GSS), Bamenda I sub division, Mezam division North
West Region (construction of 3 classrooms and an office)
Situation before situation now
17. Ecole Publique de Nkeukong (EP), Babadjou sub division, Bamoutos division, West Region
(construction of 3 classrooms and a toilet block)
17
Situation before present situation
Some equipment provided for schools
18
4.5.5 Impact Assessments
A total of 17 impact assessments were carried in 2015 in schools across the national territory.
This is a tool to continue to evaluate the achievement of the objectives for which the project was
carried out and to ensure the posterity of the project.
Level of school
No of schools Types of Schools
Government Private
Nursery 2 1 1
Primary 10 3 7
Secondary 5 4 1
Higher 2 2 0 Level and type of school where impact assessments were carried out
Overall, the results of the impact assessments have been positive. Many schools have observed
an increase in attendance and enrolment rates, and improved performance among students in
exams. In addition, there is an improvement in student hygiene and less time lost on fetching
water or illness.
4.6 Scholarship 2015
SHUMAS scholarship program entails supporting at least 100 underprivileged children yearly, so
as to contribute in eradicating illiteracy in rural and peri-urban communities. Other objectives of
the scholarship are as follows:
• reduce rural-urban exodus in search of schools,
• reduce the financial burdens on poor, single and/or peasant farming parents,
• Transmit the good spirit of helping other underprivileged pupils and students in the
future.
For the 2015/2016 school year, SHUMAS granted scholarships to 80 vulnerable children,
including 54 female recipients and 26 male recipients. The children are from various different
regions of Cameroon and are spread across all types of institutions. The level of study of the
recipients is as follows:
• 1 in nursery schools
• 12 in primary schools
• 62 in secondary and high schools
• 5 in higher institutions
19
4.7 School Environmental Project
Throughout the year 2015, 7 school environmental projects were instituted by SHUMAS in 3
secondary schools and 4 primary schools across the national territory. Impact assessments were
carried out in schools with SEP while School gardens were successfully started in the new schools
and equipments were supplied to the schools as well. Each of the schools got hoes, machetes,
watering cans, rigs, and spades. These schools include;
I. GTC Ntigi in Tubah sub division in Mezam Division North West Region
II. GTC Nkeung Bamenda III, Mezam North West Rgion
III. GTC Mbiame, Mbven sub division, Bui Division North West Region
IV. PS Rifem, Mbven sub division, Bui Division North West Region
20
V. IPS Rifem, Mbven sub division, Bui Division North West Region
VI. EP Bagara, Yagoua sub division, Mayo-Danay Division, Far North Region
VII. EP Waiffi, Guidiguis sub division, Mayo0Kani Division, Far North Region
GTC Ntigi garden at starting level/use of equipment from SHUMAS
GTC Nkeung fenced/manure application
21
Equipment provided for the school gardens by SHUMAS
4.8 Water and Sanitation in Schools
SHUMAS works to improve the sanitation and hygiene situation of adolescents and children
through the construction of modern toilet blocks, the provision of hand washing facilities, and
the extension of potable water for all schools constructed by SHUMAS.
Overall objective of the Water and Sanitation program:
To reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases in rural communities
Specific objectives:
➢ To provide potable water to rural communities
➢ To reduce the amount of time women and children spend fetching water
➢ To improve the health of rural communities by reducing incidences of water-related
illnesses
4.8.1 Achievements
Toilet blocks were constructed for 8 schools which have been handed over to the community
with hand washing facilities. Portable water was also provided for GTC Ntigi and GTC Nkeung.
For the schools under construction at the moment, the construction of toilet blocks and hand
washing facilities is a priority.
22
School water supply and toilet with hand washing facilities at GTC Nkeung
4.9 Challenges for the Education Program .
Despite the remarkable achievements of the education program in 2015 they were some challenges:
➢ Most communities did not maintain the terms/timeline of the initial agreement, delaying work and the final handover to the communities.
➢ Resources are limited and not sufficient to respond to all of the applications of merit that SHUMAS receives.
➢ The remote location of some communities made it difficult to transport SHUMAS industrial materials to these communities.
Many of the communities that apply for infrastructure improvements are in enclave or remote areas, leading to problems of supervision by SHUMAS technicians and project managers. This contributed to delay some construction projects
1) PROBLEM ADDRESSED BY SHUMAS
Over the years, SHUMAS has been working in rural communities all over Cameroon. Based on needs
assessments, one of the most felt needs identified by communities is the problem of inadequate health
infrastructure and limited access to good medical services. As commonly said, Health is Wealth, but
this is farfetched in a majority of rural communities in Africa in general and Cameroon in particular.
More than 2/3 of rural communities in Cameroon face either in one or all of the following problems:
- Insufficient trained nurses and sometimes unqualified nurses working in health
centers,
- Insufficient health equipments. Most rural health clinics lack the basic health
equipments and infrastructure.
- Insufficient vaccination coverage in rural areas
- Insufficient hygiene and sanitation measures. High rates of infectious and water borne
diseases caused by poor hygiene and sanitation
2) EFFECTS OF THE PROBLEM ON THE TRGET POPULATION
The aforementioned problems has serious negative effects especially on the poor rural
communities as follows;-
23
- Wrong diagnosis and prescription
- Auto medication
- Most people turn to travel long distances to seek proper health services
- Lack of equipment sometimes result to use of unsterilized equipment
- Poor hygiene and sanitation result to high rate of infectious
- Lack of potable water result to water borne diseases
3) GLOBAL AGENDA, NATIONAL AGENDA AND SHUMAS APPROACH IN
SOLVING THE PROBLEM
i) Global and National Agenda
The importance of good health to community development cannot be over emphasized as it is
conspicuously visible in the Sustainable Development Goal 3 that aims to ensure healthy lives and
promote well-being especially for those living in rural communities
In addition, the government of Cameroon through the Growth and Employment Strategy seeks to
enhance health services and care to all by reducing infant mortality by two thirds, maternal mortality
by three quarters.
ii) SHUMAS approach in solving the problem
To support the action of Cameroon Government to improve the health status of those living in
peasant communities, SHUMAS has adopted an intergrated rural development strategy, which is
realised through the following sub programs;
➢ Training of nurses for rural community health centers
➢ Facilitating placement of Doctor from abroad to provide quality health services in poor
peasant communities
➢ Construction and equipping of rural health clinics
➢ Participating in the routine vaccination campaigns of children O-5 years and pregnant
women
➢ Participating the national network of organization working in the health Domain
(PROVARESSC) to monitor and report on vaccination activities in the North West region
➢ Coordinating actions of Health associations and reporting to the Ministry of Health
(INTERFACE project)
➢ Construction of toilet blocks
➢ Provision of hand washing facilities
➢ Providing of potable water to Schools and communities
4) PROGRAM COMPONENTS/
24
i) Training of nurses for rural community health centers
SHUMAS sponsors the training of nurses in government authorized health institutions
After training the nurses return to their rural communities and work there for at least 3 years
i) Construction and equipping of rural health clinics
ii) Construction and equipping to ensure quality health for rural areas
ii) PROVARESSC
iii) to prevent epidemic of EPI diseases under surveillance in Cameroon
iv) to improve vaccination coverage among children 0-5 years
v) to raises awareness on the importance of vaccination among the people
iii) INTERFACE PROJECT
vi) To ensure that activities of association involved in the health domain are coordinated and
concerted with activities of the ministry of public health
iv) Water, hygiene and sanitation
vii) Provision of hand washing facilities
viii) Provision of potable water in Schools
ix) Mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS in all SHUMAS programs
5) OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAM:
To improve the health status of those living in peasant communities by enhancing their access to
health services through training nurses for village health centres, providing health facilities, and
giving educational health talks to target groups.
7) SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
- To improve access to health services in rural communities
- To improve infant and maternal health, particularly in rural communities
- To reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases
- To improve hygiene and sanitation, particularly among women and children
8) ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2015 FOR EACH COMPONENT
25
- 8.1 Training of Nurses for rural community health centers
- This project aims to enhance proper health services in rural health clinics through the
training of at least 6 state Registered nurses yearly for rural community health centers.
Communities select a community member and SHUMAS sponsors the training in government
authorized health institutions. After the training, the nurses return to their respective community
to work there for at least three years.
- Currently, 47 rural communities are benefiting from the program. 30 nurses are already
working in their communities, while 17 student’s nurses are currently on training;
Nurses on training are monitored closely through school visits and monthly meetings with them.
Some nurse students being trained by SHUMAS for village health centres
Routine meetings of nurses on training
26
SHUMAS trained nurses working in their communities
8.2) Refresher course training for trained nurses working in communities
The Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS) Cameroon and its partners Spreading Health
UK, organized a short course training on some key health topics. This International training which
held from October 14th – 16th 2015, was aimed at refreshing our spreading health students and
spreading health nurses alongside nurses who are working in health centres and hospitals in
Cameroon, in order to improve their proficiencies, so that they can be more efficient in delivering
health services in their communities. These courses were been delivered by 7 qualified UK based
medical Doctors and nurse tutors, alongside one qualified Cameroonian Nurse. After the training,
each student was given two textbooks while the nurses were given also given two text books and
some basic equipment for their health centres. They all given certificates to back up the training
they had just received.
Ongoing refresher course for nurses and nurses’ students trained by SHUMAS
27
8.2 Construction and equipping of rural health centers
The objective of this sub program is to ensure quality health care for those living in rural areas
through the construction, rehabilitation and equipping of at least one rural health centre yearly.
However in 2015, SHUMAS assisted five health centers.
ii) Provision of Health facilities to Kovifem Community Health centre
In the first half of 2015, the Kovifem Health Center project was completed and handed over.
kovifem is a poor peasant community located in Bui Division, in the North West Region of
Cameroon. More than 10,000 people from 5 villages will benefit from this project.
SHUMAS, partners and the community constructed 7 rooms and provided equipment while also
employing a nurse (a former Spreading Health nurse) for the center:
Before Intervention after intervention
Handing of certificates to trained nurses and students
28
Equipment donated to the health center by SHUMAS
iii) Provision of Health facilities to Dom integrated Health centre
Dom community health centre is located in Dom village, Noni sub division, Bui division North
West region of Cameroon. Its located north west of Kumbo town 52km on earth roads accessible
all year round but needs four wheel drives in the wet season. Dom health center in Bui Division
was constructed more than five years ago but couldn’t go functional due to lack of equipments and
a trained nurse. Thanks to SHUMAS-Cameroon, AIDCAMP International UK and Spreading
Health UK the health center went functional in April 2015. SHUMAS provided equipment to the
centre alongside a state registered nurse trained by SHUMAS
Equipment provided to Dom health centre
iv) Provision of Health facilities to Islamic Integrated Health Center Sabongari
Islamic Integrated Health Centre Sabongari is located in Nwa Sub Division; Donga-Mantung
Division of the North West Region of Cameroon is one of health centers that benefited from
SHUMAS during the first half of 2015. This was in terms of equipment made up of; a gas plate, a
filled gas bottle, 4 beds, 4 plastic mattresses, 4 pillows, 4 side cupboards, a wheel chair, a
29
microscope, a delivery bed, a delivery kit, 1 BP apparatus, a baby scale, 1 packets thermometer, 2
bed pan, a set of forceps, 3 kidney dishes, a surgical tray, a sterilization drum and laboratory
reagents (widal, MP strips, blood group count, VDRL). These equipments were provided ensure
that the maternity functions properly ensuring a reduction in infant and maternal mortality.
Equipment donated by SHUMAS to Sabongari Islamic health centre
Provision of Health facilities to Ngorin Health centre
Ngorin health centre is located in Mbven Sub Division; Bui Division of the North West Region of
Cameroon. It is also one of health centers that benefited from SHUMAS during the within the
second half of the year. SHUMAS and its partners, Building Schools for Africa and Gompels
Health handed over equipment to Ngorin Health centre precisely on the 21st of September 2015.
This was in terms of equipment made up of; a gas plate, a filled gas bottle, 6 beds, 6 mattresses, 6
pillows, 6 side cupboards, a wheel chair, 3 tables, 3 chairs, 2 benches, 6 pillows, 2 large drinking
pails, a delivery bed, 2 speculum, laboratory test kits, a baby scale, an adult scale. These equipment
were provided to ensure that the maternity, laboratory and consultation functions properly ensuring
a reduction in infant and maternal mortality.
Equipment given to Ngorin Health centre
30
v) Provision of Health facilities to Etoko Health centre
Etoko health centre is located in Upper Bayang Sub Division; Manyu Division of the North West
Region of Cameroon. SHUMAS and its partners, Building Schools for Africa and Gompels Health
handed over equipment to Etoko Health centre precisely on the07th of November 2015. This was
in terms of equipment made up of; a gas plate, a filled gas bottle, 4 beds, 4 mattresses, 4 drip
stands, 1 delivery kit, 1 delivery bed, 1 dressing kit, 4 lockers, 1 microscope, 1 sterilizer, 1 gas
bottle, 1 gas plate 1 gas stand, 1 BP APA, 3 trays, 4 re-agents, a baby scale, and 1 adult scale.
These equipments were provided to ensure that the maternity, laboratory and consultation
functions properly ensuring a reduction in infant and maternal mortality.
8.3 Monitoring of vaccination in the North West Region through PROVARESSC
Project(Plat Form of civil society organizations for the promotion of vaccination and
strengthening health systems in Cameroon)
SHUMAS has been actively participating in vaccination campaigns in the North West Region
through the following ways;
• Attending weekly preparatory meeting in the regional delegation of public health Bamenda
against polio and yellow fever
• Evaluation and monitoring exercises to ensure that vaccines are well administered in many
villages in the different 10 health districts with over 1000people.
• Participated at the training of independent monitors of the measles and rubella campaign
at the Regional level
• Attends the evaluation meeting following the vaccination campaigns
• A total of 6 monitoring has been done against polio, one for yellow fever and one against
measles and rubella
• Attended the launching of the measles and rubella campaign for the North west region
Etoko Health centre before SHUMAS’ intervention Equipments handed over to Etoko Health centre by SHUMAS
31
• Health talks to different groups in Big Babanki particularly Tosingang women group,
Chitunki women group and Bottle dance group and Government Practicing Nursery School
Nkwen Bamenda. In Bambui, the following groups were visited, women in Njang for
David group Tudah, CWF group and Presbyterian school Tubah. A total of 300 flyers were
distributed.
SHUMAS staff sensitizing communities on importance of vaccination
32
SHUMAS as an Interface Structure In the North West Region
In the course of this year SHUMAS was selected amidst several NGOs working in the health
domain in the North West Region as an interface structure. Selection was based on organizations
that are effectively working on the field and have technical competence. SHUMAS signed contract
agreement for two years with MINSANTE as an interface structure with the main aim to coordinate
and act as liaison organization between MINSANTE and associations working in the health
domain in Mezam, Kumbo and Donga Mantung Divisions. So far SHUMAS has made a
comprehensive list of the different community base organizations, associations, and others
working in the health sector in these divisions and will be organizing workshops to empower them
on participating and submitting reports of their activities to the government in 2016.
Exchange of contract between SHUMAS and MINSANTE Regional Delegate
Participated in interface Workshop organized my MINSANTE department of
Cooperation
SHUMAS also took part in the informative and partnership workshop for health associations and
department of cooperation organized by MINSANTE. This workshop had as aim to revise the
partnership and reorient the associations involved in this partnership. During this workshop, we
were also privileged to pay visit to some health associations within the Mezam Division to know
their area of intervention in terms of health. Apart from this workshop also during this year,
SHUMAS was able to go to some communities to get the names of health associations and their
contacts and also know what activities they carry on.
33
CHALLENGES FACED
Despite the remarkable achievements of the health program during 2015, the program still faces
challenges:
➢ Resources are limited and not sufficient to respond to all of the applications of merit that
SHUMAS receives within the Spreading health program
➢ The nurses already working in their different communities are facing difficulties to send in
their monthly report because of distances, and no communication nor internet network back
in their communities.
➢ Most communities are unable to compensate nurses trained by SHUMAS working in the
communities which discourage the nurses from extending the working period above three
years.
➢ It has been very difficult for SHUMAS to contact and mobilize all organizations working
in the field of health for the interface project as many do not report their activities to their
different health districts
The location of some of the communities makes transporting materials difficult and impacts
SHUMAS’ ability to communicate with the communities
4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Team from Cooperation department SHUMAS during interface workshop
SHUMAS visit to DMO’s, CBO’s and communities to get list of health associations
34
4.2.1 Problem addressed by SHUMAS
Understanding that social and economic development can only be achieved in
conjunction with environmental sustainability is very vital. Considering the fact that,
many Africans and particularly rural Cameroonians depend on natural resources for
their wellbeing especially land on which they practice agriculture makes environmental
sustainability measures inevitable.
Although climatic changes are currently affecting the entire world, Africa is more affected
because of its geographical exposure and its greater reliance on climatic sensitive sectors
such as agriculture. Cameroon is affected by changes in temperature and precipitation.
These changes negatively affect the livelihood activities of rural communities, and detract
from food security for the general society. At the local level, indicators of changes include:
shortages of water in catchment areas, drying up of streams and rivers, reduction of flow
rate of some rivers, unpredictable starts and ends of the rainy seasons, the disappearance
of some tree species, etc. Human actions such as felling trees have led to some of these
changes.
4.2.2 SHUMAS’ interventions
SHUMAS realized that, there is a great need to take concrete actions through building
the capacity of the most vulnerable to contribute in protecting and managing their
environment. Training people especially the youths on environmental protection and
management, use of renewable energy sources and organic agricultural practises and
the protection of water catchments are ways employed by the organization in the quest
for environmental sustainability.
4.2.3 Components and activities of the program
SHUMAS Environmental Protection and Management program (EPAM) has 5 different
components. These components are;
➢ School Environmental Project
➢ Renewable Energy Production/Training
➢ Water Catchments Protection
➢ Organic Farming Propagation/Training
➢ Promoting agro-forestry through nursing and out planting of nitrogen fixing
trees
4.2.4 Overall objective of the Environmental program
To promote environmental sustainability by training target groups on environmental
35
protection and management in rural communities and by mainstreaming
environmental awareness in all SHUMAS programs.
4.2.5 Specific objectives of the program
➢ To recover productive farmland and protect water catchments by replacing
eucalyptus trees with indigenous tree species
➢ To inculcate youth with the values of environmental protection and management
through school environmental programs
4.2.7 Achievements
4.2.2. Established School Environmental Projects in New Schools
Throughout the year 2015, 7 school environmental projects were instituted by SHUMAS in 3
secondary schools and 4 primary schools across the national territory. School gardens were
successfully started in these schools and equipments were supplied to the schools as well. Each
of the schools got hoes, marchettes, watering cans, rigs, and spades. These schools include;
VIII. GTC Ntigi in Tubah sub division in Mezam Division North West Region
IX. GTC Nkeung Bamenda III, Mezam North West Rgion
X. GTC Mbiame, Mbven sub division, Bui Division North West Region
XI. PS Rifem, Mbven sub division, Bui Division North West Region
XII. IPS Rifem, Mbven sub division, Bui Division North West Region
XIII. EP Bagara, Yagoua sub division, Mayo-Danay Division, Far North Region
XIV. EP Waiffi, Guidiguis sub division, Mayo0Kani Division, Far North Region
GTC Ntigi garden at starting level/use of equipment from SHUMAS
36
GTC Nkeung fenced/manure application
Equipment provided for the school gardens by SHUMAS
8.3. Establishment of a Tree Nursery
By the operational plan for the program for 2015, a tree nursery had to be established with over
20,000 tree seedlings for water catchment protection, agro-forestry, live fencing, and orchard.
The tree nursery was established with over 5000 tree seeds broad casted to out planted after
they germinate. The difficulty in getting seeds was the sole reason for the nursing of just about
4500 and not the 20000 as planned.
37
Nursing seeds the soil
At the moment work is going on at the tree nursery at the BIOFARM to increase the number of
tree seedlings nursed from 4000 to 10000. This will include fruit trees, water sourcing trees which
will be used for the protection of community water catchments and some agro forestry trees.
8.4. Renewable Energy Impact Assessments
Renewable Energy impact assessments were carried out in one community, 2 schools and 1
health center in this first quarter of the year. The activity was carried out in I.N.P.S Bamdzeng,
C.B.C Bamdzeng, and C.B.C Health Center Bamdzeng and in the Bamdzeng community.
➢ I.N.P.S Bamdzeng
Initially, the solar system was installed in this school to serve the school and the community with
charging systems. With the difficulty of rendering this services and concentrating in teaching in
school, the charging point was then moved to the mosque controlled by the leader of the women
group affiliated to the SHUMAS FIOH network. However, the lighting in the school is still in very
good conditions and teachers have access to a phone charging system in school.
The computer supplied to be used for the teaching of IT however has not been used for a single
day. According to the head teacher of the school, the problem is because they is no teacher that
can operate the computer. They are however presently seeking the assistance of a SHUMAS staff
at the Biofarm to teach them on the basics.
38
System working in school
➢ C.B.C Bamdzeng
The system in this school has not been functional for over 2 months. At the moment the SHUMAS
electrical engineer Mr. Ignatius has visited the site and diagnosis has been made for the solution
of the problem.
➢ C.B.C Health Center
The system in this unit is very functional and the fridge is in very good shape assisting the center
to participate in the polio immunization campaign.
Health center systems working well
➢ Bamdzeng Community
The community has been taking very good care of the solar system installed. The trained
caretaker has been handling repairs from the money made from daily phone charging. At the
moment the community has over one hundred thousand in a credit union account from the
charging of phones.
39
Community charging their phones
8.5 Repairs and Maintenance of Renewable Energy systems
During this first quarter of the year, the main thing done was carrying out of problem diagnosis
with the wind turbine systems in the director’s residence in the Biofarm and the solar system in
CBC Bamdzeng. For more information on this see technical reports.
Renewable energy inauguration
The Governor of the North West Region Lele L’Afrique Adolf on the 3rd of June this year
inaugurated the renewable energy projects in the SHUMAS Biofarm center where we have four
renewable energy components that is the wind, Solar, Hydro and Biogas. The renewable energy
project comprised of three phases;
i. Phase one of the project consisted of the establishment of four renewable energy
components at the SHUMAS Biofarm center. That is the Wind, Solar, Hydro and Biogas
energy components.
ii. Phase two comprised of the expansion of the renewable energy to communities,
Bamdzeng in Kumbo Central sub division, Lip and Kovki in Mbven sub division all in Bui
division. In Bamdzeng Hydro has been extended to INPS Bamdzeng and the Mosque
where power is available for all the community to use, Solar is extended to CBC Bamdzeng
School and health center, and to the Catholic Church. In Mbiame, the Solar has been
extended to two health centers in Kovki and Lip health centers.
iii. Phase three focuses on spreading the knowledge and promoting the use of renewable
energies through the establishment of the Renewable Technical center, International and
national trainings and community installations, expanding the project to the rest of the
National territory.
At the time the inauguration was taking place, the first international training of the Renewable
Energy Technical Center RTC was taking place at the center. This workshop had in participation
30 trainees from 6 regions of Cameroon plus 4 SHUMAS staff. 5 trainers came from Spain and
were supported by 2 SHUMAS staff previously trained in the different renewable energy
components in practical courses of the first RTC international training.
40
Governor cutting symbolic ribbon at Hydro Governor visiting the Biogas plant
Hands on training at the RTC International training course
41
5.8.7 World Environment Day Celebration
This year SHUMAS celebrated world Environment Day with an invitation from the
ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development to showcase
its environmental endeavours in the field of environmental protection and sustainability
during the launching of this year WED under the theme “seven billion dreams, one
planet, consume with care”. The launching took place at the higher education premises
in the capital Yaoundé in the presence of the minister of environment. SHUMAS
presented all its activities in the field of environmental protection and sustainability,
concentrating on renewable energy. After going round the stands the minister and other
members of the committee awarded SHUMAS the second prize as second best NGO in
Cameroon advocating environmental sustainability by contributing positively towards
the achievement of this year’s WED day.
Minister of environment and other heads of services visiting SHUMAS exhibition stand (The minister with the liquid slurry)
42
People visiting the SHUMAS exhibition stand
SHUMAS receives second best in Cameroon on environmental sustainability propagation
5.8.8 July-December Activity
With the first part of the year gone, the following activities have been programmed for
the second semester of the year;
➢ Upgrading of the tree nursery to 10000 tree seedlings and ensuring that at any
point in time over 2000 seedlings are available at the nursery
➢ Establishment of new school environmental projects in Mbiame and the Far North
Region
➢ Production of the BIOFARM site plan
➢ Organization of the national renewable energy course at the RTC to be facilitated
by SHUMAS staffs that have been trained as trainers.
4.5 SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAM
4.5.1 Overview of the Program
When taking a closer look at employment and the economy, it has been internationally
proven that the official rate of unemployment for the disabled is far higher compared to
43
the percentage for the able bodied. Observations have shown that the experiences and
the competences of people with special needs are not maximized. People with special
needs have proven themselves to be valuable members of the society. Research shows
that given the equal chance, people with special needs can perform as good as able
people. Nevertheless in spite of remarkable achievements, people with special need still
face lots of obstacles in the accomplishment of their goals.
The Cameroonian government has been doing a lot for the disable through the creation
of special often separate services for persons with special needs. Nevertheless, the
available facilities which can boost the training and employment of this target group are
costly. Often lack of funds and information means that only a small minority of disabled
people benefit. SHUMAS decided to bridge this gap by providing Rehabilitation to
persons with special needs through her Vocational Rehabilitation training center for
persons with special needs and the Janet Clark mental health center for the mentally
deranged.
4.5 .2 The SHUMAS Vocational Rehabilitation Center
i) Justification
The Rehabilitation Project was necessitated by the practical socio-cultural and economic
limitations faced by people with disability and other impairments in the North West
Region in particular and Cameroon at large. Most of them are uneducated and thus are
poorly equipped and lack the necessary support to enable them get medical help, carry
out economic and educational activities that will help them raise their self esteem. This
leaves them with no hope in the world for a better future, so most of them are left to roam
the streets, or better still hidden in the darkest rooms away from prying eyes.
To provide decent employment for all, including those with special needs, the
Cameroonian government has been doing a lot, through the creation of special often
separate services for persons with special needs. Nevertheless, the available facilities
which can boost the training employment of this target group are costly.
ii) Overall Goal of the Project
Improve the lives of at least 27 persons with special needs annually, through life skill
training and other rehabilitation activities, so as to enable them become economically
independent.
iii) Objectives
i. Train persons with physical disability in self reliant life skills.
44
ii. Provide promotional material to graduates to enable an effective integration in
their various communities.
iii. Train them in basic management and leadership skills.
7.2.4 Activities
Since its creation in May 2009, the center has been a place where people with special needs
are trained and supported in skills compatible to their disabilities, for a fulfilling life. The
centre offers vocational rehabilitation to persons with disabilities through training in
income generating life skills like:
▪ Sewing
▪ Knitting
▪ Traditional embroidery
▪ Shoe mending
▪ Cane weaving
▪ Hairdressing and
▪ Jewelry.
We also go on to offer moral enhancement workshops, and capacity building workshops
on economic productivity.
The trainees receive life skill training for a period of 2 years after which they are
supported with promotional material to enable them set up their own workshops back in
their communities. After graduation and reinsertion, we do not stop but go on to monitor
the ex-trainees so that we can evaluate their success and offer technical support from time
to time.
7.2.5 Achievements for 2015
7.2.5.1 Life skill training
Life skill Training has been going on smoothly in 4 of the 7 workshops with both old and
new trainees progressing. The new trainees are stepping up quite nicely although those
who are mentally deficient find it more difficult to concentrate. The old trainees who are
hoping to graduate are putting in more efforts to make sure they are eligible for the
upcoming graduation. The trainers too are trying to re-evaluate their trainees and be
certain that they are ready for the competition out there when they graduate.
Generally the turnout of trainees was good as they were all present in the center. Since
the beginning of the year, the center has had a total of 21 trainees. At the moment though
there are just 20 trainees who are carrying out Practical life skill training in four
workshops at the center, since one dropped out due to health problems. We recorded
45
only mild cases of illnesses among the trainees and the general ambiance was good. With
monthly monitoring and evaluation coupled with more counselling and a dedication
from the center staff, all have improved in their skills since we engaged this year.
Training in knitting and cane weaving workshops
Training in the shoe making and mending workshop
7.2.5.2 Basic Lessons
Since the beginning of the year the center re-enforced the teaching of basic lessons. These
lessons were given on basic book keeping and management skills, basic communication
skills and basic arithmetic. It was great to see the enthusiasm of the trainees during these
lessons. Most of them who came to the center without prior knowledge of even the
alphabet or numbers have improved a lot and the brighter ones now have knowledge on
how to manage their workshops when they graduate.
46
Basic lessons on drawing and colouring going on
Basic lessons at the center
7.2.5.3 Feeding\Gardening
The garden we introduced as a means of sustainability for the feeding project and as
training in agriculture has been functioning. The produce from this is however not as
good as we had planned due to some management difficulties. However the garden has
been able to support the feeding program in its own small way and each trainee is served
two balanced meals per day in the refectory.
Most of the trainees are more focused on their training and fainting scenes are now things
of the past.
47
Trainees in their garden taking practical lessons
7.2.5.4 Resource Center
The center has helped to serve as a resource center for students on internship and also for
volunteers both national and international to gain skills. The center has so far received
about 2 students on internship basis and 3 local and foreign volunteers.
7.2.5.5 Donations
This year the center received a donation of 32 school bags, 60 dictionaries,16 note books
and the sum of 10 000frs from Mme Mbah Grace. The trainees and management of the
center expressed their joy for this kind gesture and thanked her enormously for her
support.
7.2.5.6 Sports
Trainees at the center are anxious every Friday Monday, for they can’t wait to participate
in their sports lessons. These lessons take the form of different exercises which are geared
towards helping the trainees stretch and use their body parts. These help especially those
with physical disabilities and acts as a kind of therapy for them.
48
Sports at the center
7.2.5.7 PTA Meetings
So far since the beginning of the year the center has held one PTA meeting during which
issues concerning the center and the trainees were discussed. This meeting also acted as
a forum during which the preparation of the upcoming graduation ceremony was
discussed. The session also saw the election of a new executive for the Rehab center, since
most members of the old executive had moved on when their children graduated.
7.2.5.8 Fourth Bach Graduation
The SHUMAS Rehabilitation Centre graduated five trainees on the 30th of June the last
day of the first half of this year. This ceremony took place at the SHUMAS center premises
at mile six Nkwen. It was really a grand event as the graduates were given start up
materials to open their own personal workshops, which put a smile on the faces of these
persons with special needs.
49
Director of SHUMAS and HRH Fon of Nkwen handing certificates to graduates
Representative of DO Bamenda III symbolically handing over start up material supported by
the Director of SHUMAS
Graduates and officials with start up material donated by SHUMAS
7.2.6 Challenges
i. Our major difficulty consists of the constant breakdown with our machines
especially the sewing and knitting machines. Lots of money is spent on repairs and
50
when they are not functional the workshop is grounded since the trainees have no
other machine to use during such situations.
ii. The center is still faced with the problem of transportation especially when we are
invited to public events. Most parents know it is our responsibility during such
times and it is usually very costly for us to get a car that can carry them
conveniently.
iii. At the end of their training the graduating trainees always expect a lot from us in
the form of equipments and materials which is quite challenging for us to acquire,
so that that can start their own business.
7.2.7 Future Plans
a. We hope to have modern and adapted machines in the future to help trainees with
some kind of disability not to be limited in gaining skills.
b. We plan to get a good means of transportation for the center to facilitate movement
for the trainees.
c. We plan to enlarge our garden to teach more skills in integrated agriculture.
WATER AND SANITATION
9.1 Problem addressed by SHUMAS
Water is a vital source for livelihood. Man needs water for almost 80% of his activities.
Cameroon is blessed with abundant water, from sources like streams, rivers, springs,
rain, and lakes and from the ocean. For man to use this water, it needs to be made potable
to use conveniently. The government of Cameroon has done much to assure potable
water in Cameroon. But unfortunately the rural population which makes 60% of the total
population has benefited very little from this effort.
In Cameroon, most rural communities still rely on unprotected sources of water, often
shared with animals or contaminated by activities such as farming. The most vulnerable
groups in this regard are women and children, who spend valuable
economic/educational time fetching water at long distances from the home. The lack of
reliable water leads to illness, time away from work and school, high health costs that
drain meager incomes, and less productive farming.
For humanity, the poverty of a large percentage of world’s population is both a symptom
and a cause of water crisis. Recent estimates suggest that climate change will account for
about 20% of the increase in global water scarcity. According to UNICEF only 44% of
51
people in rural areas of Cameroon, have access to safe drinkable water, and nearly ½ of
the people in developing countries suffer from a health problem caused by water and
sanitation deficits.
9.2 SHUMAS’ interventions
SHUMAS provides potable water to communities to reduce the incidence of water-
related diseases in rural Cameroon. SHUMAS supplies water to communities using either
gravity or by constructing wells with hand pumps.
9.3 Overall objective of the Water and Sanitation program
To reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases in rural communities
9.4 Specific objectives
➢ To provide potable water to rural communities
➢ To reduce the amount of time women and children spend fetching water
➢ To improve the health of rural communities by reducing incidences of water-related
illnesses
9.5 Conditions for benefiting communities
In order to be selected, a community must submit an application to SHUMAS that is
endorsed by the village head, the village development association chairperson, water
management committee chairperson, and village council. SHUMAS prioritizes
communities that demonstrate an effort to participate and resolve their challenges
themselves. After applications are received, they are studied and evaluated, and
feasibility studies are carried out. Communities are selected following the feasibility
studies.
Once a project is approved in a given community, they are expected to follow these
procedures:
➢ Supply all local materials to the project site (sand, gravel, stones, planks)
➢ A cash contribution which ranges from 200,000FCFA to 1,500,000 FCFA,
depending on the project size and location.
➢ Inform SHUMAS about their readiness and have SHUMAS technicians verify the
quality and quantity of materials
➢ Sign a protocol agreement with SHUMAS, endorsed by the mayor, the D.O., and
the delegate of energy and water resources
➢ Provide all the unskilled labour needed for the project execution
➢ Excavate and backfill the pipe line
52
➢ Demonstrate the existence of a water management committee that includes
women
➢ Caretakers of each committee are encouraged to work on the project daily to
master the technology
➢ Take care of the security of project materials and staff
➢ Take charge of the handing over ceremony
For their part, SHUMAS carries out the following obligations:
➢ Provides pipes, cement, rods, and other industrial materials
➢ Provides engineering and technical supervision
➢ Writes and disseminates reports
➢ Provides a project sign board
SHUMAS does not provide cash to any community members for the project. Only
materials are supplied to the site.
9.5 Activities and Achievements for 2015
9.5.1 Feasibilities carried out
SHUMAS under the water and sanitation program has carried out over 17 feasibility
studies in different communities and regions across Cameroon. These feasibilities
include;
i. Kovki village water project feasibility in Mbven sub division, Bui division in the
North West Region,
ii. Melong water project feasibility in the Littoral Region,
iii. New Town water project feasibility in Kumba South West Region,
iv. Bangourian village water project feasibility in Bangourian sub division Noun
division in the West Region
v. Massaka village water project feasibility in the South West Region.
vi. Akosia village water feasibility in Mezam North West Region
vii. Ngomko Village water project feasibility in the North West Region
viii. Mendakwe water project in Bamenda I, Mezam division North West Region
ix. Nfe Nwa village water project, Nwa sub division Donga Mantung division in
the North West Region
x. Jakiri water project in Jakiri sub division, Bui division North West Region
xi. Babajou Fon palace water project in the West Region
xii. Feasibility for 6 bore holes in the Far North Region
53
source of village water supply at Kovki
Water sources in New Town Kumba and Massaka from left to right
9.5.2 Completed projects
So far for this first half of 2015, SHUMAS completed and handed over a water project and
handed it over to the community. The Government Technical College Nkeung water
project consisted of the construction of a catchment, a water tank, a pipeline, a stand tap
in the school and water point at the hand washing facility at the school. Before this water
project, the school suffered from acute water crises which interrupted the teaching
learning process. The hygiene and sanitation conditions of the school were very poor due
to lack of water. Students and teachers had to being drinkable water from their homes.
This project however has provided save drinking water to the over 320 students and 14
teachers of GTC Nkeung.
54
Stand tap and hand washing facility at GTC Nkeung
Student enjoying their new water supply
9.5.3 Roh Kimbo Bridge Project
The Roh Kimbo school was completed during this period and handed over to the
community in an occasion chaired by the senior divisional officer for Bui in the presence
of the DO for Kumbo, the fon of Nso, service heads and the population.
55
Completed bridge
The inauguration of the bridge by SDO Bui/HRH Fon of Nso pouring libation on new
bridge
9.5.4 Ongoing Projects
At the moment they are over 4 water projects by gravity and 8 wells under
constructions. These projects include:
i. Simonkoh community water project Oku Bui division NWR
ii. Tah Mbveh community water project in Kumbo Bui division NWR
iii. Lam Road community water project in Mbiame Bui Division NWR
iv. Njanawa community water project in Mbiame Bui division NWR
v. 6 Bore holes under construction in the Far North Region
vi. 2 wells in Babajou in the West Region
56
Tah Mbveh water tank completed
Completed stand taps at Njanawa
9.5.5 Bio Sand Filter Training
3 SHUMAS staff participated in a 3 day training workshop on the production and use of
bio sand filters. The training was mean to build their capacities on the technology and
other health related water issues. The organization will intend propagate this
technology especially in areas where potable water is inaccessible.
SHUMAS staff during training
9.5.6 Water and Sanitation in schools
SHUMAS works to improve the sanitation and hygiene situation of adolescents and
children through the construction of modern toilet blocks, the provision of hand washing
facilities, and the extension of potable water. From January to June 2015, SHUMAS
constructed 3 toilet blocks in the following schools:
57
➢ GTC Ntigi
➢ GTC Nkeung
➢ CNS Manjo
At the moment, 7 more modern toilets are ongoing in the schools under construction. In
addition SHUMAS provided potable water in GTC Ntigi and GTC Nkeung.
Water and hand washing facilities at GTC Nkeung
9.6 Challenges encountered
The following challenges has been encountered so far in the first half of this year
➢ The remote location of some communities made it difficult to transport supplies
➢ The remote location of some communities meant that there was less skilled labour
available, increasing the amount of time SHUMAS technicians needed to be on site
➢ Internet connections are sometimes slow, leading to challenges reporting on time
and communicating effectively
4.7 AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM
4.7.1 Problems statement
As a result of declining soil fertility, poor seeds/breeds, improper management
techniques, a decrease in farm household sizes, and an increase in population and land
pressure, many rural poor farmers are facing low crop and livestock yields. To cope
58
with this situation, they are resorting to farming methods that require costly inputs and
improve yield only at the expense of the environment and the sustainability of their
land and income. These practices include slash and burn, the improper use of synthetic
fertilizers/pesticides and the extension of farm land by clearing down of forests. These
activities not only involve a high cost up front, they also detract from the sustainability
of the farms, and therefore weaken farmers’ abilities to support themselves in the
future.
4.7.2 SHUMAS’ INTERVENTION STRATEGY
Inspired by the Millennium Development Goals and Cameroon’s current Growth and
Employment Strategy Paper and the objectives set by the government, SHUMAS has
been working with close to 600 community-based farming groups across the national
territory. This is in order to help promote the development of a sound private sector,
combat rural poverty, ensure food security and develop production methods that are
both economically viable and environmentally friendly. These groups are principally
involved in small scale farming, suffocating under the enormous challenges mentioned
in section 3. To redress these problems, SHUMAS created the SHUMAS Integrated
Organic Framing Training and Demonstration Centre (Biofarm) in Kumbo to train
farming community leaders and unemployed youth on sustainable integrated
agricultural methods (i.e. using by-products from crop production as primary products
for animal production and vice versa), renewable energy forms ( biogas, wind mills, solar
panels), and environmental protection / management. The goal of these methods is to
increase the quality of food production, improve nutrition for families, and address the
problem of climate change.
4.7.3 OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAM
To contribute to the achievement of the first Millennium Development Goal by
increasing food security and eradicating hunger amongst poor peasant farmers through
training on sustainable and climate smart agriculture methods and support with micro
credits and materials to enable them establish their own farms.
4.7.4 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
59
➢ To train poor peasant farming community leaders and unemployed youths on
organic farming methods and renewable energy through short and long course
programs
➢ To facilitate replication of the skills acquired during training by providing ex-
participants with micro credits and start-up materials.
➢ To provide internship opportunities for students from universities, professional
institutions and agricultural schools from Cameroon and abroad to facilitate
knowledge-sharing
4.7.5 PROGRAM COMPONENTS/ACTIVITIES
a) Training of poor peasant farmers and youths on sustainable agriculture
➢ Training on crop and vegetable production
➢ Training on animal breeding, production and fattening
➢ Training on pasture improvement
➢ Training on Renewable Energy forms (biogas, mini hydroelectricity, solar
energy, wind turbine)
➢ Training on agro-forestry
➢ Providing internship and field visit opportunities to students from
universities and professional colleges at the SHUMAS Integrated Organic
farming training and demonstration center
➢ Practical training of pupils and students in primary and secondary schools
on sustainable agriculture
b) Supporting farming communities to improve food availability, income level,
and general well-being
➢ Empowering rural women farming groups with micro-credit, capacity
building, and income generating activities
➢ Multiplying maize and potato seeds to distribute to poor peasant farmers
at affordable rates
4.7.6 ACHIEVEMENTS of 2015
i) TRAINING
60
Long course training of youths for two years and 10 months on climate smart
agriculture
In 2015, 79 youths received practical and theoretical training on climate smart agriculture.
Theoretical training of long course participants
Practical training on food processing
61
Graduation of long course trainees
ii) Short course Training
• Training of Women and Farming community on pig and sheep production
About 200 rural farmer women were trained on pig/sheep production and management at the
Biofarm centre. Each of them received a female piglet or sheep. This was the 3rd training session
on pig and sheep production and management.
Training women farmers on sheep and pig production female sheep given to women after training
62
iii) Training of rural farming women on food processing
In 2015 also, 50 women representing 50 women groups were trained on processing of plantains to
flour and pudding to add value and improve their income.
iv) Students on internship and Study visitors at the Biofarm centre
SHUMAS Biofarm received about 20 students from higher learning institutions and universities,
like Sahel Institute of Maroua, University of Bamenda and CATUC Bamenda with diverse
objectives. Some came to get abreast with climate smart agriculture while others came for
environmental science, agriculture etc. 150 study visitors also visited the Biofarm centre to learn
and know more on activities of the centre
Students on study visits SHUMAS partners visiting the
Biofarm
10.1 organic Crop and vegetable production
63
Crops produced within this period included maize, beans, potatoes and assorted vegetables.
Organic beans
Organic maize
Organic solanium potatoes Organic huckleberry
64
Organic sweet peppers organic onion
ii) Animal production
Production activities at the Biofarm centre in 2015 included pig breeding, production, and
fattening; brooding of day-old chicks; sheep and cattle production and fattening. Waste from these
animals is used for the organic cultivation of crops and vegetables.
Day old chicks being brooded with Solar heaters Sheep
65
Pig fattening pig production
10.2Supporting poor peasant women farming groups to improve their productivity
• Micro credits were given to 62 women groups with an average of 30 members to enable
them get farm inputs and improve their productivity ,
Evalution of microcredit enterprise, pig-sheep production and management projects: women
report and get clarifications
66
Women’s group representatives receive loan cheques from SHUMAS
• Women farming groups provided with improved maize seeds to inprove the yields
SHUMAS provided improved maize seeds to more than 200 women enable them improve on
their farms yields.
67
Women groups receiving improved maize seeds
10.4) Multipurpose Tractor granted to SHUMAS for its Agricultural program
In the course of 2015, SHUMAS was also granted a brand new multipurpose tractor by the
Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development. This tractor enabled SHUMAS to
cultivate more than 50 hectars of crop farms and 40 hectars of pasture land.
68
10.5 Renewable Energy Unit
In 2015, SHUMAS achieved a lot under the renewable energy unit. First there was an
international training on renewable energy at SHUMAS Biofarm and the inauguration of the
Renewable energy unit by the Governor of the North West region.
69
Theoretical training on renewable energy practical training at the Micro hydro plant
Governor of the North West Region visits and inaugurates SHUMAS Biofarm centre
10.6 School Organic gardens
In 2015, SHUMAS assisted 10 schools to establish school organic gardens, with the aim to
inculcate values of sustainable climate smart agriculture. Proceeds from these gardens are used to
purchase didactic materials
Equipment provided by SHUMAS for school gardens in GTC Ntigi and GTC Nkeung
70
GTC Ntigi garden at starting level/use of equipment from SHUMAS
GTC Nkeung fenced/manure application
10.6 Urban Food Plus project
SHUMAS in collaboration with the Regional Delegation of Agriculture and Rural Development
for the North West Region in partnership with the German Ruhr-University of Bochum, University
of Kassel, University of Göttingen, University of Freiburg, and other international organizations
is involved in an international research project “Urban Food Plus (UFP). The goal of the research
is to enhance resource use efficiency in urban and peri-urban agriculture for improved food
security in West African cities, including Bamenda.
The project started in 2014. In 2015, a PhD student was recruited to start a Research on a
comparative study of using BIOCHAR and fowl droppings in the production of some vegetables.
MSc students will equally be recruited to participate in the research.
SHUMAS is coordinating the project in Bamenda in collaboration with the Regional Delegation
of Agriculture.
1 Visit at layers house , IRAD Mankon
71
Dialogue with Mezam Divisional Delegate of MINEPIA Vsit to IRAD rabbitory
Visit of Demonstration site.
4 .8 VOLUNTEERING/INTERNSHIPS
SHUMAS is a project dependent development organisation with no funds for staff salary,
SHUMAS thus depend on volunteers and interns who come to build their capacity and
while building their capacity help to implement projects. In the first half of 2015, we had
5 national and 2 international volunteers; some of them are as follows
List of volunteers
Name Duration Nationality
Kiven Laura 6months Cameroonian
Mekwi Rita 1 year Cameroonian
Lukong Elvis 1 year Cameroonian
Derick Banadzem 1 year Cameroonian
Chem Doris 1 month Cameroonian
72
Srophine Veyufambon 1 year Cameroonian
Larissa Meyer 8 months German
Jacob Justus 8 months German
List of Interns
S/n Name School Period
1 Momegni G. Martine University of Maroua 2months
2 Ngwasiri Eugette University of Maroua 2months
3 Djenyo Arcade University of Maroua 2months
4 Grace Kinga College of technology Bamenda
2months
5 Fulai Nancy College of technology Bamenda
2months
6 Tchoudi Mowthe University of Maroua 2months
7 Sendze Martinien A lanyuy
College of technology Bamenda
1month
8 Lukong Christabel College of technology Bamenda
1month
9 Njodzeka Hennock Catholic university Bamenda 1month
10 Mbah Kevin Higher institute of the Sahel Maroua
1month
12 Lidwin Wolani Catholic university Bamenda 1 month
13 Fuh Maclaire Nchangwi
National Cooperative College Ebolowa/Agro-Pastoral Counseling
6 weeks
14 Mekwi Rita Ngofes Pan-African Institute for Development/Project Management
2 months
15 Oben Edwin CITEC/Project Planning and Management
2 months
16 Birla Faith Bongdzeem
CITEC/Project Planning and Management
2 months
17 Bamnjo Bertrand CITEC/Project Planning and Management
2 months
73
5 NETWORKING
The networking team is pushing hard to ensure SHUMAS has a good and
solid grounds in various Government departments, Embassies and other
organization’s in Cameroon.
Some achievements of networking this year has been the tracking of
SHUMAS files for authorization of SHUMAS vocational Rehabilitation
centre which were missing at the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Establishment of concrete relations with key focal persons in various
ministries to follow up SHUMAS files
Proposing an MOU with MINEPAT which resulted to an inter-ministerial
meeting that enabled SHUMAS and partner ministries (MINESEC,
MINSANTE, MINEPDED, MINADER) to inform MINEPAT and our
working relation paving the way fr possible MOU with MINEPAT and
other ministries.
SHUMAS networking team and cooperation department staff of MINSANTE
74
6 CHALLENGES
• More and more rural and urban poor communities are increasingly aware of
SHUMAS and are demanding her services. As a low resource, project dependent
organisation, SHUMAS’ material and human resources are insufficient to meet
these demands.
• SHUMAS still has the key challenge of no funds for staff salary or operational cost.
SHUMAS depend on volunteers for her service delivery
• All SHUMAS vehicles are obsolete apart from one Hilux which cannot cover all
projects in all 10 Regions of Cameroon. This really slows project monitoring and
project timeframe not met.
1) GENERAL CONCLUSION Generally, the first half of 2015 has been very busy with lots of achievements as
aforementioned. We look forward to the last half of the year still with a lot of zeal and
enthusiasm to achieve much more to the benefit of under privileged Cameroonians.
We greatly appreciate the contributions of our national and international partners that
contributed to the achievements enumerated in this report
