Cameroon is a country with a low level of human development, at position 153 in the UNDP's HDI of 2009. According to UNICEF's 2008 Report, the number of Cameroonian children who die before reaching age 5 increased from139% in 1990 to 148% in 2008. Maternal mortality is 1,000 per 100,000 live births.
In relation to the level of education, this is directly related to the standard of living. Combined schooling is 50% among women (60% among the male population), and it is lower in rural areas. Continuation of studies at a higher level is limited. In the population aged 25 and 50 years, only 9% of men and 4% of women have higher education.
On the other hand, the unsuitability of school education to the demands of the labour market contributes to high unemployment among young people.
Solidarity Campaign "ALÉGRALES (Make them happy)"
Primary school students from ALEGRA have started the Solidarity Campaign: "ALÉGRALES", which will support an educational project in Mehandan - an initiative coordinated by the Fundacion del Valle in Cameroon. The main objective of the project is to train teachers, which is absolutely vital for improving the quality of education in the most deprived areas of this African country.
An affordable way to raise money is to collect old mobile phones which are not being used and to sell them to recycling companies. We believe this initiative also gives us the opportunity to promote a spirit of solidarity among the girls who are involved in the task of collecting as many phones as possible. So that the campaign produces real results for the Mehandan educational project, we need your support and collaboration.
The situation of young women in Cameroon is very insecure and the lack of education for children has repercussions. The existing primary schools are lacking in motivated and trained teachers, which leads to an insufficient literacy level. This creates a vicious cycle that hinders the possibilities of development in the country. We need to invest in the education of children and young people in rural areas to ensure that development is durable and self-sufficient.
Specifically, the project aims to improve the quality of education in the country through the training of teachers in Mehandan, which is located 20 km from Yaounde, Cameroon's capital. The aims are to provide:
• Training of teachers so that they can provide quality education.
• Care and education of mothers in the area, so that they discover the importance of and need for education for their children and to encourage them to bring them to school.
We have given the students a brochure about the project and in the school’s reception you can find more information about Fundacion del Valle.
Projects in PROGRESS (2010-2012)
Improve living conditions of vulnerable population of Yaounde and its surroundings through the training of 105 women and water supply for 1,300 people
- Local Partner: CEPS
- No. of Direct Beneficiaries: 525
- No. of Indirect Beneficiaries: 1,405
- Financing: Barceló Foundation - € 37,294 for wells and equipment
- Financing: Roviralta Foundation - € 35,856 for scholarships
- Grant: € 73,150
- Total cost: € 118,906
What does the project involve?
The project has two components:
a) Improve the quality and accessibility of vocational training for the youth of the city of Yaounde and its surroundings through the creation of a computer lab at the Center for Women's Training Sorawell, already in operation, and increased bag to provide scholarships for girls with fewer resources to access higher education.
b) Ensuring access to clean water for 1,300 people from 3 rural communities of Yaoundé.
Development of a pedagogical education institute for 1,800 children and young people, 100 teachers and empowerment of rural women, Mehandan
- Local Partner: CEPS
- No. of Direct Beneficiaries: 2,400
- No. of Direct Beneficiaries: 4,800
- Financing: Junta de Castilla y León
- Grant: 185,923 €
- Total cost: 591,044 €
What does the project involve?
To strengthen education with special attention to girls and women of Mehandan populations with the construction of a centre for pedagogical and educational activities. Additionally, a team of trainers will be formed and will start an office providing teaching and educational support to 1,300 children and young people in rural areas and 300 rural women participating in the 'mothers' school'. Also 80 rural women receive practical and specific technical support to improve food security for their families.
