Summer 2004: Transforming Lives

You can imagine the thrill I felt when I phoned Cameroon on July 17 and heard the voices of excited teenagers in the background. I was talking with Stephen Nfor, Manager of the Shunammite Inn where a total of 47 youth 10-17 lodged. I asked him how the program was going, and he said, “the kids are happy, can’t you hear?” I could hear, and I would hear even more.

The kids were participating in our program where they learned about the threat of HIV/AIDS on their otherwise bright future; they learned income-generating activities such as Bible studies, tie-dye and pastry-making. Students learned assertiveness skills and goal-setting. They took field trips to local clinics and interviewed staff about health services for youth; they learned basic computer lessons and watched educational and entertaining videos. With the help of Amy Hardt (University of Maryland, former Peace Corps Volunteer, Ghana), and our partners in Cameroon, we designed this comprehensive program, which addressed the urgent needs of youth in Limbe.

For most of the children, this was the first time they had attended a four-day overnight educational workshop and they thought it was the best experience of their lives. Some of them did not want to go home! Many had never worked on a computer, had never consciously about what kinds of goals they could have for their lives and to write down what they could do to reach their goals.

The parents and community leaders who attended the closing ceremonies couldn’t say enough to commend the efforts of all who brought these activities to their children. In their feedback notes, the children expressed excitement, gratitude, and asked for another program for next year. “And next time” one participant said, “make it for at least one week”.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support!