Official Handover Ceremony Report:
Report of award of donation to primary schools in Limbe III municipality
This day 18th December 2013, in the presence of the Divisional Officer for Limbe III Sub division, Mr Sone Clement, the newly elected Lord Mayor of Limbe III Council, Mr Isaac Inongo Dalle, the Inspector of Basic Education, the Secretary General Mr. Njonje Matute and Public Relation Officers of Limbe III Council, Mr Samuel Ngomba; the distribution of the financial and material gifts from some benevolent African-American brothers and sisters were carried out. The ceremony, which had been earmarked to take place September 2013, at the reopening of the 2013-2014 academic year could not hold due to some administrative constraints with regards with Legislative and Council elections Mayors. This very strategic election witnessed the emergence of a new Mayor, in replacement of Mr. Esebou Mokate Samuel, whom the Diasporans were opportune to meet during their last three trips to Cameroon.
The donation ceremony was attended by the pupils who had represented the lot of Bimbia and Mabeta pupils in December when the American group arrived (list below). Other pupils from Government Primary school Mabeta, Bimbia, Man O’ War Bay and Kange, were invited to join this group for the distribution of the supplies as requested by the head teachers of Bimbia and Mabeta Primary schools. They all received gifts in the form of books, crayons, toys and others as provided by the donors.
In his brief welcome address the Lord Mayor, Mr Isaac Inongo Dalle appreciated the combined efforts of Professor Lisa Aubrey, Madam Eleanor Mitchell and all the other donors (from USA and Germany) whom he said had given out of a heart of gold and with love. He explained that the delay in retrieving the goods from the ports was one of the reasons why the ceremony was holding at this point in time and appreciated the parents and pupils for responding to the invitation despite the short notice. It had not been easy to find a date for the event as all eyes are turned to the visit of the President of the Republic to Buea. He went on to explain that Limbe III Council had shown its delight and willingness to continue supporting such efforts by investing time and spending over four hundred thousand francs CFA in the follow-up and eventual removal of these supplies from the ports, thanks to the assistance of Mrs Angele Ndoumbe and Mrs Hanizou. He exhorted the parents, teachers and pupils to use the donations wisely; providing the school needs of the children and using the books as learning and teaching aids to enhance the learning process for guaranteed success. He cautioned against the misuse of the money by parents and stated that the gifts received were not for sale under no condition. He also extended his appreciation to the former Mayor and to the Public Relations Officer for the initiative and follow-up.
Mr Samuel Ngomba presented the list of donors to the assembly and also read the list of donations received from the donors. He explained the process to obtain the gifts and the sacrifices the donors and supervisors had made to get the supplies to Cameroon. He also said Madam Hanizou had been very instrumental, sacrificing time and finances to retrieve the supplies from the ports. He said since it was the first time Limbe III Council was involved in this form of donations and would certainly move faster during subsequent situations.
Also present for the ceremony were the PTA (Parents-Teachers Association) presidents, the Commander of Gendarmerie and chiefs/quarter heads to witness the event. Another interlocutor was the Divisional Officer of Limbe III Subdivision, who also thanked the African-American donors for their kindness and goodwill. He reiterated the need for proper use of the donations, stating that the gift of education is most valuable. He said the pupils receiving these precious gifts are future leaders and must therefore be given their rights as required by the State.
In closing the parents and pupils also express their heartfelt gratitude to the donors for counting them worthy of their goodwill. They said their wait had been worth the while. They said the money will be used for the purpose intended for the welfare and growth of their children is their major concern. They also asked if this was the last they were hearing of the donors and Mr Ngomba explained that, a report will be sent and their desires and concerns mentioned, and of course bring them feedback.
At the end of the event a fellowship meal followed, provided by the joint effort of the Lord Mayor of Limbe III Council and the Inspector of Basic Education.
Personal Remark:The whole process was not as simply as I'd hoped from the beginning, but then I often go by the principle that nothing good comes easy. The satisfaction on the children's faces and expectations from parents made the whole exercise worthwhile. Of course, it can be done again with lesser stress than this one because there are no better friends to work with than the ones who have opened their heart to you. On behalf of the children of Bimbia, Mabeta, Man O' War Bay, Mboko, Kange, Ijaw-Mabeta, I wish to convey our heartfelt GRATITUDE to ALL THE DONORS. To all the persons who worked at the US end to make this possible our only prayer is that God's infinite abundant blessings will overflow in your lives and families.
Samuel Ngomba
P.R.-Limbe III Council
(Reporting)
School Supplies and Scholarship Drive for Fumban
Stay tuned for more projects of this kind!