Since joining our business in 2007, and with the support of LST and volunteers, Patrick Mballa has co-founded an NGO (non-government organisation). This is pioneering a sustainable development model to alleviate poverty in remote villages in Africa, building infrastructure projects which are delivering vital facilities for people in villages in the north East of Cameroon. So far, the NGO has helped to build a hospital, a school, and a solar power hub as well as provide training and apprenticeships for local tradespeople.
Patrick’s next project aims to transform the lives of thousands of people in 10 villages. With a team of volunteers, he is helping to supply safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.
The five-year plan is now three years in and with our support, he’s on target to deliver his aims. To date, five wells have been built and there is a further five in the pipeline, with work due to begin on those in early 2019. Each well will help between 800 and 1250 people.
But the project hasn’t just benefited local communities in Cameroon. It has provided valuable work experience opportunities for students at the University of Southampton and Birmingham University.
“We use local labour to build the facilities to support the local economy, but need a large team of volunteers to help with the design and funding,” Patrick explains. “We joined forces with the Universities from the outset and it’s proved a great way to encourage young people to hone their skills and learn some new ones along the way.
‘We take volunteers out to Africa to speak and work with the villagers, establish what they need and then design and build a project that suits.”
With 2019 approaching, Patrick is busy pulling together a team to help with the next phase of the project which begins in January 2019. Volunteers will help with activities including design, engineering, marketing and fund-raising.
Patrick continues:
“The project has been a huge success so far, so we’re looking forward to rallying a team together who can help us build on that next year. With the support of LST, the Universities and other corporate sponsors, we’re on track to meet our objectives and provide these crucial facilities for thousands of people.”
To find out more or to sponsor or volunteer for one of the projects, please visit: www.camerooncatalyst.org or call Patrick on 07828 180816. To make a donation, please visit: http://www.camerooncatalyst.org/donate/
