Ambassador

Ambassador's Special Funds

Since 1983, the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon has funded small community projects under the Self Help Program. This fund has been used for schools, health centers, wells, and other small-scale community development.  It has also helped community farms, grain mills, and women's cooperatives.  The funds have been used very successfully in all ten provinces of Cameroon. 

This year, the Embassy is pleased to sponsor fifteen projects for a total of $104,000.  More than half of that money, 56%, has been allocated to support school construction in rural and underserved communities; 30% to water and sanitation projects; and 14% to infrastructure. In 2004, the Embassy was proud to provide $99,200 to support fifteen projects throughout Cameroon.

This program is particularly beneficial to the people of Cameroon because it provides resources to small communities to help them realize the most pressing development projects for their community.  Local communities apply for support for a specific project that is tailored to improve living conditions.  Community members must agree to provide labor, materials, or some other community contribution to the project.  This model helps to ensure that there is a high level of community investment and participation while making them truly responsive to community needs.

The US Embassy also committed USD 80,000 to support four local NGOs under the Democracy and Human Rights program. Sponsored activities include carrying out a project on the fight against corruption in the Northern Provinces; conducting a project on the promotion of children’s rights in 3 local schools; producing a play on violence against women; and educating women on their inheritance rights.  By promoting human rights and democracy in this way, can we help bring about sustainable development and prosperity for Cameroon and for the world.

 

1. Self Help Fund
2. Democracy and Human Rights Fund