Ambassador's Special Funds

2005 Democracy and Human Rights Projects List

This year, the Embassy committed USD 80,000 to support four local NGOs. Groups selected include:

1 - Name of Organization: La Une des Droits de l’Homme (UDHL)
Project Sponsor: Wabale Jean Pierre
Project Title: Identification and strategies of fight against corruption in the Northern Provinces
Project Description: UDHL will educate the people of the three Northern provinces on the consequences of corruption and involve them in the fight against corruption, in an effort to significantly reduce corruption in this part of the country.  The resulting institution of a culture of ethics and good governance would significantly promote democracy. 

2 - Name of Organization: EMIDA
Project Sponsor: Gabriel Henri Nicole
Project Title: Primary Prevention of Violence Against Children and Promotion of Children Rights
Project Description: EMIDA has designed a training program to educate teachers and parents on how to adopt patterns of behavior that respect and promote children’s rights.  This project is necessary because an investigation carried out in 2000 revealed that 90% of pupils are beaten at home and 97% at school.  Violence –based education encourages introversion, selfishness, hypocrisy, dishonesty, corruption and irresponsibility. Expected outcome of the project is awareness on the part of parents and teachers of the negative effects of violence against children and reduction in this trend at both family and school levels.

3 - Name of Organization: Arena for the Promotion of Human Rights (A.P.H. International)
Project Sponsor: Bernard Mbu Ngwa
Project Title: ASK THEM WHY (A Play on Violence Against Women)
Project Description: The activity in view concerns a play, Ask Them Why, which dramatizes the issue of human rights, and violence and discrimination against the woman.  It will sensitize women on their rights, empower them on socio-economic and political issues and raise awareness on children’s rights. The purpose of the activity is to open the horizon for women to be more self-reliant and take decisions on issues concerning them, build their confidence and prompt change in certain traditional practices, which are contrary to equity, good conscience and natural justice.  The play proposes ways in which men and women can achieve mutual understanding, building happy homes as precursors to individual and group development.

4 - Name of Organization: Radio Femmes – FM Mbalmayo
Project Sponsor: Irene Mbazoa
Project Title: Inheritance Rights of Women
Project Description: Project objective is to sensitize women and girls on their inheritance rights. Women in the local traditional society are neglected with regard to the right to an inheritance, and most women are ignorant of the laws that protect their right to inherit property form parents, spouses, etc. The project therefore aims at educating women on their rights and getting the men to understand and accept that women have equal rights to property as men.  The activity will also educate women on the right to choose their partner and the right to choose monogamy or polygamy when getting married.