November Newsletter

Etienne Tawong

New School Year Started
The new school year started in Cameroon the second week of September. The hundred and fifty plus students we chose now need our assistance in order for them to stay in school or to register at universities. People who would like to help them can choose one student (secondary/high school or university) or contribute more to send two, ten, twenty or thirty students to secondary/high school. Either choice will make a difference in the lives of these students.


News/Updates

On September 4th, Pavla sent $3,240 and on October 26th $2,700 to assist many students at the beginning of the school year. $1,250 out of the total was donated by One Ummah Foundation in Portland to support at least 34 students.

You can now donate to Educare-Africa using your credit card on line. Go to http://www.justgive.org/ and type in Educare Africa as your charity of choice and proceed from there. They give 100% of your donation to the group you choose.

Thanks to an angel by name Loyan Roylance, we now have a new flexible blog that replaced our older website.

Pavla has been invited to talk about Educare-Africa and her Peace Corps experience on the One Hour Hope TV show in Salem on November 14th.

Wish List

• Digital video camera to document our activities especially in Cameroon


• Stamps 44 & 98 cents
  
  What your $$ do for students
  $1 – 4 pens or about 20 pencils
  $15 – school uniform or school bag or school shoes
  $18 – scientific calculator
  $35 – secondary school fees or
  House rent for 10 months
  $40 – high school fees
  $45 – GCE exam registration fees
  $60 – secondary textbooks
  $80 – high school textbooks
  $350 – helps to register at a university (One year costs about $1,000.)
  These prices were calculated when the exchange rate was $1=460 CFA francs. Exchange rate fluctuates.
  
  Holiday Fundraising
  We are planning for our eighth Christmas giving Tree at the Heritage Mall in Albany from November 27th to December 27th. There will be envelopes with our mailing address and information cards.
  For the first time we are able to participate in the Gifts for the Better World store in Corvallis, at the First Congregational Church, 4515 SW West Hills Road. The store will be open from November 7th to November 29th. We will have greeting cards with Pavla’s photographs from Tanzania, 8x10 matted photographs, jewelry, dresses, CDs with African music and other items for sale. Pavla will also have a table at a Holiday Bazaar in Scio, Z Hall, 38704 Main Street on Friday and Saturday, November 20th and 21st.
  Pavla needs a volunteer (s), to help her unload the items and spend a few hours with her at the table. If you wish to volunteer, please, contact Pavla.
  
  Sponsoring students
  There are many ways we can assist the students. Interested individuals or groups can sponsor individual students and will receive letters from the student, updating them on her/his progress in school. Or, people can send monthly donations, which will accumulate to assist many students. Or, a donation can be made once a year, either for an individual student or to assist several students. It depends on what each donor prefers to do. Any donation is always greatly appreciated!
  
  Call for unique support
  One of Pavla’s former students, Etienne Tawong, won a 2010 green card lottery, which means he can come legally to the United States and go to school and work. He was always a very good and quiet student. After Etienne and his younger brother Bertrand lost both of their parents their grandfather was their only support. He died this June while Pavla was in Cameroon. This is a great opportunity for Etienne to change his life for the better so that eventually he will be able to assist many others. However, before Etienne can come, he needs a place to stay and someone to help him adjust to his new surroundings and provide minimal financial support. He will also need to live with this person. He will need the name and address of the person who offers support. The Consular Center will contact the person to confirm and show proof that he/she is financially able to accommodate Etienne. We are turning to you on behalf of Etienne and asking if you or someone you know could be that person and enable Etienne to come to the United States. Please, let Pavla know as soon as possible since he is compiling the necessary documents now.
  
  Other possibilities
  Remembering Educare-Africa in your last will is another way how to provide more support for the children in Cameroon. For more information you can contact Mike Reddy.
  Phone: (541) 485-6676;
  Email: mike.tiplace@gmail.com;
  Pavla is also looking for more opportunities for presentations to interested groups such as Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, Zonta, Altrusa International, Women’s and Youth groups, leadership middle, high school or University classes, and other groups.
  
  Volunteers and ideas are always welcome and greatly appreciated!
  All donations are tax deductible.
  We will look forward to hear from you at the right time.
  
  Thank you all very much on behalf of the children in Cameroon for your continuing kind and generous support. It is appreciated tremendously!
  
  Have a richly blessed Holiday Season, filled with much joy & unconditional love.

Gloria's Story

Dear Educare-Africa,

Where do I start from? Who says there are no miracles or that miracles were of the past? God has used you to show His powers to me, my family and my schoolmates. God is wonderful and He uses but a fellow human being to manifest His glory. May you be blessed.

It all started when I got into Form one in the G.S.S. Tatum then. Life wasn't easy for my family and I. Things were so bad that I could not get a pen for a hundred francs (about 20 cents). I thought I was going to drop out for the fact that we could not afford food in our house.

When I reached Form three in 1996, God sent us a guardian angel, a Peace Corps teacher, Madam Pavla Zakova and a few years later an NGO, Educare-Africa, that Madam Pavla started after her Peace Corps, in 2000. Oh God, thank you! I have tears of joy in my eyes right now as I am writing this to you.

If I am able to read and write today, able to serve my community and country, it is thanks to Educare-Africa. I do not really know where to start or end. Thank you very much!

It started with pens and continued with books, school fees, housing and other essential school related needs. It was not only the material assistance but also the spiritual and moral support.

Right now, I serve as a librarian in the Nkum Council Public Library. Whatever I am able to do now as far as education is concerned, all I have to say is thank God for Educare-Africa through our dear mother Madam Pavla.

So, with my GCE Ordinary and Advance Level, I wish to tell you people that if not for you in the name of God and His will, I couldn't have achieved all these goals. I do pray that you continue in that loving spirit for it is only our Creator Who will reward you for your good work. Whatever I am today and will be tomorrow I will always say it is you and will always pray that what you did to me shall be done to others as well. With your good example, I am able to help two of my younger ones in school. Thank you Educare-Africa for your inspiration.

May you be blessed.

Njoben Gloria Mainimo

Educare-Africa, My Mother

Oh sweet Mother, don't cry
it has been a wonderful journey
Console yourself your children are mature
You will soon reap the fruit of your labor
And like your self, we will have many children
Three children, four children, five children.

Together you taught us the lessons of life
Now we can see people with the loving eyes of God.
That there is no difference between us.
All of us from every nation are one.
And together like a great army
We can form a strong chain of love and support.
It did not kill you as you toiled day and night.

Looking for food to nourish your tender ones.

Now I know, No one dies from being good.

It doesn;t kill to share with the neighbor.

Neither does it in doing a kindness.

It brings a wonderful blessing of joy.

You have shown to us all it takes to be fulfilled

You shared our loving moments, sad moments,

happy...
What a loving mother you remain to us.

We wish to remain children but

We need to go out to the world

And bring forth your grandchildren

So you see your labor has not been in vain.

Beatrice

I am Ngong Beatrice Kernyuy, a third level mathematics student in the University of Yaounde I, found in Cameroon. I am 23 years of age and the 1st in a fmaily of four. My parents Mr./Mrs. Ngong Vitalis live in a small village in Bui Division. I grew up with them together with my younger ones who now are in the secondary and primary schools.

Being where I am today is a miracle. It amazes me whenever I look back and see what God has been doing to me especially through Educare-Africa.

During my secondary education, I had scholarships where some of my school needs were brought and other offers from friends and relatives. One beautiful day in form five, I had a prize from Mrs. Pavla Zakova-Laney as the best female science student. It was my first time meeting Madam Pavla. Little did I know that the story of my life was about to change that year. I passed the ordinary level GCE exams in 11 papers with good grades and was the best in our center. A year later I had a prize from Mrs. Chantal Biya, the 1st lady of the republic. I was encouraged and excited as I traveled to Yaounde, the capital of our country for the 1st time.

While in lower sixth, I met some students from Tatum who had been with Madam Pavla. Celsius, a very good friend and brother invited me to meet her during her annual visit to Cameroon. I had the opportunity to talk with her later and I explained how the gift had encouraged me. Madam decided to assist me together with my parents. In addition, I benefited from Educare-Africa mobile library. In upper sixth, I was given money to register the entrance examinations into professional schools. I succeeded in the Advanced Teacher Training Exam where I have benn in the last three years for studies.

Educare-Africa, my mother, has been there always. I had the opportunity of having a kind and generous sponsor, Ms. Marian Angele. Also, while at ENS Bambili, I was blessed by staying with Dr. Frida Sunjo from whom I learned many lessons of life. Educare-Africa has touched all parts of my life. I appreciate them all many of whom I have not met but who are out there concerned about our needs. Ms. Marian sends me stories, funds for my educational needs and encourages me. I learnt so much from her life and her own experiences. I never dreamt that I would live like other children, go to school and have a job.

Here I am today, just graduated from the Teachers Training School, and by God's grace in a little while I will be posted by the state to teach. I have been lifted from nothing to something. I owe Educare-Africa so much abd I believe soon I shall do to others what they have done to me. It is really a wonderful experience to live, love and be loved unconditionally. It has been an amazing time never to be forgotten. Fresh memories remain in me and some day will yield many blessings for others.

Love you all,

Beatrice

Educare-Africa and Me

My name is Tangko Julius Ngala, 26 years young and the son of Tangko Manases and Agnes Mangu, all late, who were residents in Douala, Cameroon.

I attended primary school in Mbot, a village in the Donga Mantung Division in the North West Region of Cameroon where I obtained my First School leaving certificate. Here I lived with some relatives while my parents went out to provide for us, including our education.

In 1996 I entered into the secondary school at G.S.S. Tatum. At that time things started changing negatively in the family and polygamy came in to break it apart. My mum was the only one struggling for all the five of us in the family. I loved studying right up to the university but the challenge here was that she started getting tired when I was still in the second year of the secondary school. God being so kind provided for us Madam Pavla Zakova-Laney, my class mistress from form one to three and Peace Corps volunteer. She was and has remained a kind loving and cheerful mother to us, thereby justifying the saying that "the Lord does everything with a reason." She provided most of the textbooks I needed to succeed and supported me financially especially in form five when the situation became critical. I was able to register, write and obtain my Ordinary level GCE in nine subjects, thanks to the support from Madam Pavla and my mum. This not withstanding, I also received a scholarship from the Cameroon Government in forms two and three for which I was very grateful too.

In 2007, I transferred to G.B.H.S. Kumbo where I continued in lower and upper sixth. My mum was able to assist me with the house rents, food and textbooks while Educare-Africa assisted me with the school fees for my two years in high school. Again, I must confirm that it was thanks to these two parties that I was able to succeed in all the 3 subjects, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology in the advanced level GCE exams.

After high school life became a nightmare. I had to stay at home for two years trying to get something doing that could help me proceed with studies but success was rare. Nevertheless, Madam Pavla and Educare-Africa came in as usual and registered me into the first year in the University of Yaounde I where I read Animal physiology with the hope of being a health care worker one day. Madam Pavla also provided spiritual booklets which together with the moral support I get from the Joy and Success Club that was also founded by her, has helped to restore my faith and hopes. Mid way in level two I lost my mum and life once again seemed too meaningless to me, but Educare-Africa continued to support me over the year and today I can boast of being in year 3, a high point toward achieving my goal.

I cannot quickly conclude that from Educare-Africa and Joy and Success Club I have only received material and financial assistance but I want to confess here that I have also been educated morally and on how to choose a career, an important feature in the life of a student.

My family and I are very grateful for what Educare-Africa has been doing to me and to other students like me. From Educare-Africa on one hand and the Joy and Success Club on the other hand, we have drawn more than one lesson about Love, devotion and encouragement. We pray God to bless Educare-Africa abundantly and give its staff long lives.

TJN

Brief Summary of the 10th Trip

By Pavla Zakova-Laney, President of Educare-Africa

1. On May 14th, 2009 I arrived successfully in Yaounde, Cameroon. Mr. Emmanuel Sunjo, our country coordinator, picked me up at the airport and drove me to a rest house. The following day I picked up our funds.


2. On May 18th, Mr. Sunjo and I traveled to Limbe to visit one of our former students, Verbe Ajime Tina, who was posted there to teach biology at the Government Secondary School Bonadikombo. We met the principal, Mrs. Dorothy and the staff, talked to the students in all four classrooms and observed the interaction of Tina with her students.


3. Basic school supplies for 96 best students from G.H.S. Tatum, G.S.S. Nseh and G.H.S. Ntumbaw were purchased and given during prize giving ceremonies on May 28th and 29th. Donated toothbrushes, toothpastes and other donations were distributed to 58 students. 14 Joy & Success Clubs in various schools received donated spiritual books and Daily Word magazines. 38 students received financial assistance for their immediate needs such as school fees, G.C.E. registration fees, rent, kerosene food, school uniforms, shoes and transport to their villages. 100 students received pens and pencils. About 85 staff members from G.H.S. Tatum, G.S.S. Nseh and G.H.S. Ntumbaw received pens for encouragement. Science lab equipment for G.H.S. Ntumbaw was purchased and during the summer some essential textbooks will also be purchased for the students from the funds set aside from trip 2009. Funds for students on our priority list and other students were set aside to pay school fees directly to the schools in September. Ywo Wellesley College Book Awards were given to the best females science students from G.H.S. Ntumbaw and G.B.H.S. Kumbo.


4. On May 23rd I arrived in Tatum. On May 26th I went to G.B.H.S. Ndu and G.B.H.S. Nkambe to inform the students about re-applications and scholarship applications for new students. On May 28th and 29th Mr. Kevin and I drove to G.S.S. Mbu-Warr, G.S.S. Nseh, G.H.S. Ntumbaw and G.H.S. Tatum, where we also distributed prizes in the last three of them.. On Saturday, May 30th, we met with our students at G.B.H.S. Kumbo, arranged for our new representative there and presented a Wellesley Book Award to the best female science student.


5. On June 6th we met with our students in Bamenda and at Bambili, on June 24th with university students in Buea and on July 1st with students in Yaounde. In Tatum, we met and discussed with students and parents on June 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th and 20th. During my trip we chose 135 students to assist. We will continue to look for more females.


6. On June 7th, Wirba Pascal and I visited Mbinkar Victor, one of my former students, at Bangante, West Region of Cameroon, where he now owns a small bakery. In addition, he provides holiday jobs for needy students and looks for ways to help stray animals. For that purpose he found a veterinary nurse and a veterinarian so that together in collaboration with S.P.A.L.E. they can assist more animals. I gave them some of the donations in-kind too. All our activities have been documented with photographs and some video clips and you can view most of them on our blog.


7. During our annual board meeting on June 11th in Bamenda, we decided to make some changes in the way we recruit new students in order to make the process more efficient. In addition, to inspire more outstanding female students to apply, we will award a special monetary prize next year to a female student from Form Three with an average of at least 18.6/20. Our goal is to assist 60% female and 40% male students. We gave an opportunity to 50 new students to apply for scholarship in the 2009/2010 year. Our first fundraising event in Cameroon is planned for November.


8. On June 18th, a short wave radio donated by a new non-profit group in North Carolina called the Ears to Our World was handed over to a teacher at G.S.S. Mbu-Warr which is located in a remote part of the Northwest Region of Cameroon. It was the first of many to come sometime this summer.


9. Since the Cameroon government established Tatum as a Subdivision, new offices will be coming in and new buildings built. Most other building projects have been stopped until further notice including our Educare-Africa Center. We continue to set aside some money for our first vehicle each time we send funds to Cameroon. Our first choice is a Toyota Hilax double cabin pick up but we may find it necessary to start with a smaller vehicle. We need about $8,500 to purchase the pick up and $2,800 for registration, necessary documents, insurance, tires, fuel, maitenance and unforseen expenses for the first year.


10. As a side project, Justin Tagne from the Cameroon Baptist Center in Bamenda and I organized the handing over of donations in-kind from the Reid Veterinary Hospital, Albany Animal Hospital, Periwinkle Pet Clinic in Albany and Hopes Haven Rescue group in Salem. Justin will continue to work with veterinarian, Dr. Munki Julius Nfor, who is a coordinator for a non-profit group S.P.A.L.E., P.O. Box 5170 Nkwen Bamenda, Cameroon; Tel: (237) 75-14-92-85, which also assists stray dogs. Dog Whisperer DVDs have been shown to many dog owners and other interested individuals in Bamenda and Tatum. About 45 dog owners, breeders, veterinarians and children participated.
    

UPCOMING ASSISTANCE

We hope to assist about 125 secondary/high school students and about 25 university students. Approximately $10,000 by mid September 2009 would take care of these students' essential educational needs. Since the dealine for payment of school fees is in mid September, it would be desirable to have the funds available before September 15th. When the school fees and the GCE exam registration fees are not paid in time, students are often sent home from school, which has a detrimental effect on their exam results.

Dear Friends and supporters,

On behalf of the students in Cameroon I want to thank you very much for your loving care and continuing generous support. Appreciation of our assistance by the students, parents, teachers and the whole community has been immense. Let us continue in this spirit and let us work together to help those less fortunate...

Love, Pavla

"I am dedicating myself to the love of God and the love of my neighbor as myself. I am dedicating myself to serving 'the least of these my brethren,' and the greatest along with the least."

Joel S. Goldsmith, Consciousness Is What I Am

Pavla's side project - Helping stray animals

Justin Tagne from the Cameroon Baptist Center in Bamenda and Pavla organized the handing over of donations in-kind from the Reid Veterinary Hospital, Albany Animal Hospital, Periwinkle Pet Clinic in Albany and Hopes Haven Rescue group in Salem. In addition, Justin organized public viewing of the Dog Whisperer show with Cesar Millan at the Center and Pavla did something similar in Tatum for neighbors and their children. At the end the DVD will be donated to Tatum Public Library. About 45 people participated including dog owners, breeders, veterinarians, dog lovers and children. Justin will continue to work with Dr. Munki Julius Nfor, a veterinarian and coordinator for a non-profit group in Bamenda, S.P.A.L.E.
Mbinkar Victor is one of Pavla's former students. He now owns a small bakery at Bangante, West Region. He also gives holiday jobs to needy students and looks for ways to help stray animals in his neighborhood. You can view video clips of some of these activities below.

Prizegiving Ceremony at G.S.S. Nseh

This year we gave prizes, which consist of basic school supplies you can see here, to the best three students in each class in three schools in the Northwest Region of Cameroon:

1. Government High School Ntumbaw
   


2. Government High School Tatum



3. Government Secondary School Nseh
   

Below are video clips from the ceremony at G.S.S. Nseh, which took place on May 29th, 2009.

G.S.S. Tatum in 2000 and Today

The photograph of Government Secondary school in Tatum you see here was taken in 2000, one year after I completed my Peace Corps. There was no administrative building, no science laboratory and no staff room. At that time, about 400 students attended the school. Today, it is a high school (since 2001) and over 1000 students

were enrolled in 2008/2009 academic year. There is a well equipped science laboratory now, more classrooms, an administrative building and just recently was added a new staff room, which will be completed before the new school year will start. You can see the school how it is today on the video below.

First shortwave radio given to a teacher

Ears to Our World is a new non-profit group in North Carolina that provides shortwave radios to teachers in developing countries to improve teaching and learning. During my 10th annual trip we handed over the first radio to Mr. Ndomi Patrick Ndi, a teacher from G.S.S. Mbu-Warr, in a remote section of the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Below is a short video clip with the handing over.

Interview with Bongnyuy Ivoline Dubila

Ivoline is one of our students, who for the past four years have been a part of twelve In Harmony Scholars assisted by a grant from Dr. Brook MACNAMARA. Last year Ivoline completed high school in Tatum and this year she graduated from Teachers Training College in Tatum. Below is a video clip with this interview made during my 10th annual trip to Cameroon.

New Science Equipment for G.H.S. Ntumbaw

G.H.S. Ntumbaw is a high school but cannot offer any science classes since there is no science laboratory. Therefore, we decided to purchase some equipment this year during my 10th annual trip. You can view the handing over on the video below.

My Story

Wirmvem Precedis Bongsuiru

I am 26 years old, 2nd Year Sociology Student at the University of Yaounde I. I attended Primary School in my native village Ngendzen-Mbam. From there I went to Government Secondary School Tatum which now is Government High School Tatum. I entered Secondary School in the 1996/1997 academic year and in Forms Two Madam Pavla Zakova-Laney came as a Peace Corps Volunteer to teach us. This made us, her students, to be very excited as we boasted of having a white teacher. She taught us Biology and many students performed well. In fact Biology became one of my best subjects as she worked hard to see us succeed. With her relentless efforts, most students enjoyed biology very much as biology classes became very interesting to all.
With the support of Educare-Africa, I and other brilliant students distinguished ourselves from our classmates and we were made known to other students in the school as we received numerous prizes every year during the prize giving ceremonies. At times, we even invited our parents to come and take part in the prize giving ceremonies. With the support from Educare-Africa, I and other good students received assistance in form of financial assistance, text books, pens, exercise books, school bags etc. These prizes greatly reduced the burden that my parents spent for my school needs. Thanks to Educare-Africa, I always got my school requirements even before going to the next class.
Educare-Africa has helped many students in Government Secondary School Tatum to buy their school needs like uniforms, school fees, books and other essentials. So this encouraged many parents to send their children to school. With all these, it was thanks to Madam Pavla Zakova-Laney that we received this aid, if not some of the students might had dropped from school for lack of means. She even went as far as visiting some of our neighboring villages and greeted our parents. In fact she has been such a lovely mother to us. My God bless her for this good work. In Forms two and three we had excursions to a beautiful Lake Oku, Bamendjing Reservoir and Douala-Limbe respectively sponsored by Madam Pavla. This made most students to gain new experience of life in big cities as well as study the Crater Lake Oku and its mountain forest.
In fact Pavla Zakova-Laney has done a marvelous job for students in Africa and I pray that the good Lord may provide her more resources and good health to continue with this tremendous support. To Educare-Africa, I say “More grease to your elbows and long lived your services.” As we continue education we are asking for your support as before so that the work you began should be completed. May God bless Educare-Africa for the assistance it has given to me in my school life and I still look forward to get more support while in school.
Thanks to Educare-Africa and especially to Pavla Zakova-Laney, the Founder and Full-time volunteer President and Executive Director.

By Wirmvem Precedis Bongsuiru
2nd Year Student Sociology
University of Yaounde I
Tel: +237 750 45 709
Email: wprecedis@hotmail.com

Educare-Africa and Me

In every thing, let’s give thanks to God. For he made us to Love, serve and praise Him always. It is only when we trust in Him and feel His presence that we know that God is as good as good can be. The key of the Lord can open all doors.
I am Kiven Yuntir Ethel a third year student in the University of Yaoundé 1, in the faculty of arts , letters and social sciences , department of Psychology, 24 years of age and a mother of a girl, Frida Micheal. I am the only child in the family of late Mr. and Mrs. Ngoran Avitus.
I started my secondary education is G.S.S. Tatum in 1996 in form one B where Madam Pavla Zakova-Laney happened to be the Class mistress. Our class was called the chosen class because of the privileges we enjoyed as a result of her being our class mistress.
It all started gradually when she discovered that students could barely afford basic school needs. She then took this as a personal engagement to give us exercise books, pens, pencils, rulers, textbooks especially in biology which was the subject she taught. In form one she took us to The Ndu Tea Estate for a field trip that was mostly done by form five students, in form two we went to Lake Oku where most of us saw a lake for the first time. In forms three we went out of the North West region to Buea, Limbe and Douala, very important towns in Cameroon. This was the most enjoyable trip out of the others because most of us saw the beach, entered a bus and saw some big towns in our country for the first time. Along side these trips, Madam Pavla continued to assist many students with their needs and even paid school fees and part of their rents. It was from this her caring character that she founded Educare-Africa. Educare-Africa has done much for me (paid part of my fees, provided me with writing materials, clothing...) and because of this support I did so well in school that I received many encouragement prizes at the end of each year. When madam Pavla usually gave prizes to the first 3 to 10 best students in each class, I also received scholarships from the Cameroon government and the American government to the best female student. The Joy and success club and the dance club which she also founded where a source of joy to me.
When I completed high school I had no means to continue my education, as a result of that I stayed out of school for a year. I was full of joy when the then coordinator of Educare-Africa came to me and asked me to go to the teacher’s training college. I could not at the time due to limited funds, but later I received assistance from Mr. Libor Krupica, a kind donor. Thanks to this support I could pay my fees and do other school preparations. During my stay in this college, Educare-Africa assisted me with rents, part of food, daily needs, books, and teaching aides. Our principal knew the good intentions of Educare-Africa, and so assisted me some times in school as well. Upon completion from this school, I was given the golden opportunity to go to the university thanks to my kind sponsor Mr. Krupica through Educare-Africa. I made the choice to study Psychology which is in line with the teaching a child. Since 2006 I have been in Yaoundé where I am now in the final year to have a first degree in Psychology.
Thanks to Educare-Africa I obtained my G.C.E. ordinary level certificate in 2002, Advanced level certificate in 2003, Teacher’s grade one certificate in 2006 and now towards having a degree, God willing in 2009. I am really indebted to the organization, president and founder madam Pavla, and most especially to my kind sponsor Mr. Libor. I pray that more students shall have the opportunity to have such support so as to feel happy too.
May God Bless you all abundantly.
Kiven

Write Your Own Story - Part I

“If you have not had what you want, it is because you have not decided on what you want”

I am called NDZEIDZE THOMAS MAIKA. I was born on the 6th of June 1980 and the third in a family of four. By God’s grace, I am the only child from this little family to have crossed the walls of primary education. While in primary two, there was a break up in my family and my mother took the “bull by the horn” to provide for my education. My two elder sisters remained in the house after their primary education because she was not viable enough to provide for the continuation of their education. Thank God, I was fortunate to continue on the rungs of the academic ladder.
In 1996/97 (while in form three, in Government Secondary School Tatum), I caught up with someone (at the time a US Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon) who not only assisted me to achieve my aspirations but also acted as a role model to me because of her wonderful character and love for humanity––Madam Pavla Zakova Laney.
There was no way I could hide in the crowd because I was one of the best and first in class on academic basis. This gave me the opportunity to “gather” a large percentage of gifts she offered to the best students during the end of year graduation ceremony. The story was the same in form four but for the fact that I was elected sanitation prefect for the entire school and I rule for two years till my final year. I made eight papers at the Ordinary Level Certificate and the best student in my center. I was also awarded a ministerial prize for academic excellence.
Madam Pavla left Cameroon after my final year in secondary school. Thereafter, she formed the NGO Educare-Africa Cameroon (EDAC) dedicated to improving the learning and living conditions of needy and bright students in Cameroon.
While in high school (Government Bilingual High School Kumbo), I received substantial support from the NGO to provide for my school supplies.
The campaign on sensitization (May-July of 1999) of the rural masses on the importance of education was one striking adventure that we undertook. We visited several neighboring and distant villages. I played the raconteur in which I thrilled the crowds with stories of encouragement. We had no car but our legs, no microphones but out mouths, we walk under the rain, in the mud, we ate all kinds of foods, slept with the mosquitoes, we got tired but kept on moving just in a bit to add value to somebody’s life.

The purpose of our lives is to add value to the people of this generation and those that follow.

It was in high school that I was introduced to yet another wonderful benefactor–Dr. Brook MacNamara (a partner to the NGO). She has been no-nonsense figure in my life since then. She has been no less than a mother to me.

You can get anything you want in life if you help other people get what they want

I completed high school in June 2001, succeeding in all the four science subjects I registered for. In September of 2001, I took the TOEFL and SAT with the hope of continuing education in the U.S.A. Unfortunately, I succeeded in the SAT but not in the TOEFL. Though I spent one year at home after high school I was not deterred anyway. During this period (2001-2002), I embarked on the EDAC sensitization campaign and went on one errand or the other.
In Sept. 2002, EDAC assisted me to go to the university. Here, I was again introduced to another caring mother–––Madam Dena Palmemaysa. Mom, you put a smile in my heart!!!
The undergraduate program was one of the most exciting times in my life. I majored in Microbiology with the aim of entering into the food/animal production field.
In my third year in the university, I discovered that while I was doing great in school and receiving abundantly from the NGO, there was no group or club to cater for the increasing numbers of students under the umbrella of EDAC. I went ahead and formed EDAC Buea Branch and became the president by balloting. It was a great group indeed!!!
I graduated in 2005 with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.31 on a scale of 4.00 and the 5th in a class of 80 students.
After this I was offered a place to teach in a secondary school. However, I turn down the offer because I wanted to obtain a masters degree and because I thought I was going to distort my dream if I accepted the offer.
I was given a place to do a master program in Microbiology. However, I failed short of reaching the deadline for payment of tuition. Who knows how God does His things––Madam Dena sent the tuition several weeks after classes had begun. I was allowed to register after writing appeal letters to the Vice Chancellor. I must say the NGO had been the brain behind these beautiful strikes. Again, I settled down as adviser to EDAC Buea Branch (for three years now). I was also appointed the student coordinator of a Christian Movement called Campus Crusade for Christ with a membership of more than 60. Presently, I am the adviser in that ministry.
Though the master program has not been interesting as I expected, I look forward to defending the work in a month’s time or two.
With all the experience I have had so far and the internship with the Takui animal project (for two months), I started an animal farm (cow farm) and I am looking forward to expanding it.
While I look forward to applying to some food producing bodies in Cameroon I am also applying for scholarships to do a program in biotechnology out of Cameroon. I am still soliciting the support of my wonderful benefactors in the event of any scholarship.
I am very proud of and grateful to the BENEFACTORS under EDAC who have provided a cozy path for me to go this far and to move me from grass to grace. May the rich Lord water them even as they continue to water others. I also want to say, the sumptuous support did not only assist me but members of my family as well as others students.

LONG LIVE EDUCARE-AFRICA AND ITS BENEFACTORS!!!

Proverbs 11:24 says “One man gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want”

April Newsletter

Planning for another trip
Pavla is planning her 10th trip to Cameroon in May 2009. She will be in Cameroon for about seven weeks and will travel alone again. Thanks to your kindness and generosity, her ticket is already paid for. Her goal is to raise $10,000 for the trip. So far, we have $2,500.
During her trip, she wants to purchase basic school supplies for many students and some science lab equipment, depending on available funds. In addition, Pavla will work with our coordinators in Cameroon to plan concrete steps for building of our Educare-Africa and Community Center in Tatum and fundraising in Cameroon. She also plans to assist many students with essential school related needs, meet with parents and students to discuss their current situation, check report cards and choose eligible students for assistance in 2009/10 academic year. Two Wellesley Book Awards will be given to the two best female science students from two different schools in rural Cameroon. Pavla also plans to visit a bakery in Bangante, owned by one of her former students and a school in the Southwest Region, where one of her former students now teaches.

Other Possibilities/Wish List

Other possibilities

• Remembering Educare-Africa in the last will is another way how to provide more support for the children in Cameroon. For more information you can contact Mike Reddy.
  Mike’s phone: (541) 485-6676
  Mike’s email: mike.tiplace@gmail.com;
• Pavla is also looking for more opportunities for presentations for any interested group: Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, Women’s and Youth groups, middle, high school or University classes, Zonta, Altrusa International and other groups.
• Another possibility for raising more funds and support would be for supporters to write to Oprah’s Angel’s Network about our work in Cameroon. If you are interested, contact Pavla for more information.

Wish List

• Digital video camera to document our activities especially in Cameroon
• Stamps 41 and 90 cents (there will be an increase in postage sometime in May 2009)
• Prayers for all our activities including travel and for our planet earth with all its inhabitants.

How You Can Assist/What Your $$ Do for Students

Assisting students
There are many ways to assist students. Interested individuals or groups can support individual students and will receive letters from the student, updating them on her/his progress in school.
Or, people can send monthly donations, which will assist many students. Or, a donation can be made once a year, either for an individual student or several students. It depends on the donor’s preferences. Everything is greatly appreciated!


What Your $$ do for students
$1 – 4 pens or about 18 pencils
$13 – school uniform or school bag or school shoes
$16 – scientific calculator
$35 – secondary school fees or
House rent for 10 months
$40 – high school fees
$50 – GCE exam registration fees
$60 – secondary textbooks
$80 – high school textbooks
$50 – helps a student to register at a university (One year costs about $1,100.)
These prices were calculated when the exchange rate was $1=450 CFA francs. Exchange rate fluctuates.

News/Updates

1. Science Laboratory –$5,000 is needed to purchase more lab equipment.
2. Thanks to our Lord almighty and kind donors, Pavla was able to send $2,800 in December 2008 and $2,100 on in January 2009 to assist many students. We have many angels among us.
3. You can now donate to Educare-Africa using your credit card on line. Go to www.JustGive.org and type in Educare Africa as your charity of choice and proceed from there. They give 100% of your donation to each group you choose.
4. Thanks to Loyan Roylance, we now have a new, much more flexible website, a blog: http://educareafrica.blogspot.com/ , where you can find photographs from Pavla’s last year trip and other interesting information including a few success stories from our former students.

My Walk with Educare-Africa

I am Bongteh Grace Leinyuy , born on August 6th 1985, as 7th child to Mrs. Mbuum Josipher and late Mr. Bongteh Mumba who were both resident in Kishong. Kishong is a village in Bui Division in the North West region of Cameroon where I attended primary school and obtained the first school leaving certificate.
My parents considered sending only some of us to secondary school out of the income they got from selling some produce and coffee. While in secondary school, our needs usually out numbered the available means , but I thank God that my class mistress at the time was Mrs. Pavla Zakova-Laney who found interest in supporting excellent and needy students , providing textbooks, fees, school bags and spiritual books like daily words and organizing excursions for students.
The love she had for the students moved her to found Educare-Africa after her extended stay as peace corps volunteer in then Government Secondary School Tatum, My good performance in school and conduct permitted me to be selected for assistance and to be moved to Bamenda where I could concentrate more on studies.
In Government Bilingual High School Bamenda, Educare-Africa continued to support me in school and my brother did his best to provide food and accommodation. I got a scholarship from FESA (Female education in Science and Mathematics in Africa) and I succeeded in the maximum 11 of passed papers for the GCE ordinary level, in 2001. In 2003, I succeeded in 5 papers, which is the maximum at the advanced level GCE exams. These were already great achievements in my life thanks to Educare-Africa and my family.
Shortages of funds made me stay out of school for an academic year but because of the hard work of Educare-Africa’s founder and president, Madam Pavla Zakova-Laney, Mr. Kenneth and Mrs. Mavis Tuten decided to support me in my education through Educare-Africa. Their financial assistance permitted me to study and obtain a certificate in Data processing from Paul’s Computer institute obtaining the Prize for the best Student in Microsoft Windows, this was another step forward as computer knowledge is now very importance in the global village that the world had become.
My success in the Advanced levels and the financial assistance allowed me to register in to the University of Yaoundé 1 where I am presently studying Animal biology and in level 2. With Wildlife management as my focus, I carry out internship with the Cameroon Wildlife Aid Fund (CWAF) to gain experience while going on with my studies, thanks to the moral support and orientation of Mr. Sunjo Emmanuel, National Coordinator of Educare-Africa and to our Zoo keeper, Mr. Frederick Leydufe, among others. I hope for a brighter future and it is evident that with out the hard working staff of Educare-Africa I would not have been where I am today.
Beneficiaries of Educare-Africa and friends in their various institutions of learning, find interest in coming together to share useful ideas, some of which are; Trusting God our source of success (Joshua 1:7-8), learning to live with others regardless of our difference (temperaments) we also seek to help one another as much as we can, lessons that remain for life, God’s word is a rich source of inspiration to us. I am so glad this is possible through the Joy and success Club founded by Mrs. Pavla.
The devotion of all the staff and other benefactors is of great importance to us. I am very grateful and pray for God’s ever present love in their lives.

Invitation

We invite you to read the following letters. Our students will like to share; their experience expression of thanks, how they have benefited so far, their spiritual journey, what it means to them to be where they are now, success stories, Club activities and challenges.
Have a blessed time and enjoy the rest of your day.

THANK YOU EDUCARE-AFRICA!

Our dear benefactors and benefactresses, well wishers and board members of Educare-Africa,
It is with so much joy to convey my deep and sincere feeling of gratitude for the great support you have given to my life. Without your tremendous support I should never had been here and thanks to your great love I am here .
I am Shang Celsius Ndze, born on the 8th of January 1984 in Memfu , a village in Bui division of the North west Region of Cameroon, son of Shang Denis Seka and Nsaikila Veronica. I am a physics student at the University of Yaoundé I with energy physics and fluid mechanics as my main options.
I continue to regard 2000/2001 academic year as an epoch in my life; first for the double promotion from forms one to three upon my admission in to G.H.S. Tatum and the tremendous encouragement prizes I received from Educare-Africa that year. I came to Tatum because I learnt that Educare-Africa could assist me if I will have excellent academic results and behave well. The prizes gave an additional momentum to my determination to study. From then till this day you cover all my school needs (exams registration, rents, food, water and light bill) with the love and help of Madam Jindra. This in turn permitted me as it still does to be among the very best student in my class and the examination centers where ever I took the final exams from then till 2005 when I left high school, multiplying my level of thoughts and aspiration to study, and focusing on my goal of becoming an Engineer, researcher, and Teacher in Energy Physics.
My infinite gratitude to you too for the benignant effort to change my life through the comforting and assuring presence of Madam Pavla Zakova-Laney, the founder and President each year. This tells me that you are always there. The time I spent with her in form of reflection is so wonderful to me, the comforting messages we receive each time from her letters refresh my mind and assure me all the times. I am full of joy that you made me to set a goal for my life, a thing many students do not do here at the level I did. Educare-Africa remains my greatest motivator and friend for life. Thanks to you I have become a global citizen.
The spiritual and the inspiring books you give to us is another wonderful blessing to me. These books lightens my spirit and permit me to have a firm hold of my goals through the faith they build in me, form a positive attitude and act as a never ending motivator in my life .
I cannot forget to mention the Joy and Success club, which is another wonderful source of inspiration. It gives us the opportunity to meet and discuss with other students and live like a family here, giving us room to think deeply on every thing we do.
Your continual assistance is a sign of trust in my potential and in my ability and I am very grateful to you.
I am exited for the wonderful impact you have on our entire country of Cameroon, Africa as a whole and the world at large. Your thoughtfulness and ability to make others happy is deeply appreciated.
For the special way you always care about our needs, for the way you take those caring thoughts and turn them into deeds for our sake, for the manner in which you go out of your way to brighten up our lives. Thanks for you support.
May the almighty Lord bless you more and more to share your unconditional love, joy, peace and understanding. You make me happy.
Bless you
Celsius

My Success Story

My Success Story: Wirmvem Mengnjo Jude

I was born on Tuesday, April 14, 1981 at Mbam Health Centre, to the family of Lanyuy Roland Wirmvem and Kibong Perensia who live in Ngendzen village, Bui Division in North West Region of Cameroon (Africa). I attended Government Primary School Ngendzen for 7 years, from 1988. In 1995, I was admitted as a student into the then Government Secondary School (G.S.S.) Tatum, now a Bilingual High School. Every morning I trekked for a distance of about 5 km, from Ngendzen village to Tatum, in order to attend classes as there was not enough money for me to rent a room. Despite the tedious trekking, my passion for education gave me courage to keep going. During my second year (Form 2) in G.S.S. Tatum, the school was enormously blessed with a pioneer American Peace Corps Volunteer, Mrs. Pavla Zakova-Laney. She was a Biology teacher. I must say that this was my first time to be taught by a white. Though I enjoyed her teaching, at first, it was difficult to understand since I was never before taught by someone with a different accent.

That notwithstanding, I did exceptionally well in her subject and others too. This created a good relationship between Mrs. Zakova-Laney and me. Each time she was teaching, she would look at me from time to time, which was strange to me, and I told my mother this ‘our white teacher is always looking at me when teaching’. My mom laughed and said “maybe it is your luck”. She later on found out that I lived far away from school and wrote a letter asking me to come and stay with her alongside one other student (Kila Comfort) still from my village. This was strange for me to live with a white person. I could not imagine that. I informed my mum and dad about it, telling them that I was not ready to do that. My loving mum persuaded me that it was my blessing from God. Finally, in late 1996, I packed, from my village, to live with Mrs. Zakova-Laney about 0.4 km m from school.

I was now free from long treks to school though I was very worried about my friends and others who still had to trek. Even today, some still walk further than I did and also from other villages. From that time, my life changed. For the first time, I read at nights with an electric light. While living in the village, I read with a bush/kerosene lamp. When my parents could not afford 0.5$ to buy kerosene, I would either use a candle especially during exams or just read during the day. With Mrs. Zakova-Laney, I had enough school materials (pens, pencils, ruler, etc.) textbooks, food, time and all that a student needed.

Mrs. Zakova-Laney with her sympathetic heart realized that I was not the only desperate student and so bought school materials like shoes, books, pens, pencil, rulers; paid fees, sew uniforms, paid house rents, electric bills, bought fuel for bush lamps used by some students. More than 95% of the students were in need, and she could not satisfy all. Even some teachers were also needy, and she also offered them assistance. ‘What a huge task’. While living with her my performance improved, and I received allowances/scholarships from Form 3 (1997) to Form 4 (1998)for academic excellence from the Cameroon government. I was happy with my results. I should say that I was worried when Mrs Zakova-Laney was to leave. I could not imagine how I could live without her support. Before leaving Cameroon in 1999, we knew that she loved us very much and that she would not forget us. She then, in year 2000, created an NGO called EDUCARE-AFRICA (http://educareafrica.blogspot.com/). Through this organization, I benefited a lot as before, but this time she was able to help more students, thanks to the loving care and generous support from many kind donors.

With this continuous surge of help, I was able to register the Ordinary Level Certificate of Education exam in 2000 (Form 5) and I passed in 6 subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Economics and English language). Since there was no high school then, I moved to Government Bilingual High School Kumbo. Mrs. Zakova-Laney continued through Educare-Africa to assist me and many other students with our school needs. My accommodation was partly taken care of as well as other essential needs. With the collective efforts of Mrs. Zakova-Laney through Educare-Africa and my parents, I registered the Advanced Level Certificate of Education exam in 2002and passed in two subjects (Geology and Chemistry).

My parents were unable to sponsor me in the University. The number of needy students kept increasing, and Educare-Africa could not fully take care of all my needs. I had to suspend my education. With the two certificates achieved thanks to Educare-Africa, and with the spirit of concern for others, inspired from Mrs. Zakova-Laney, in 2003, I coordinated student activities in my village and later founded NESA (Ngendzen Elite Student Union Association) which was later named NGEDA (Ngendzen Development Association). The main objective was to coordinate village developments activities. And thanks to this, my village is fruitfully drinking potable water.

In 2004, my parents assisted me to register at the University of Buea, Cameroon where I read Geology. During holidays, I would work at one industry in Douala to raise money for school. Educare-Africa again came to my salvage and paid part of my accommodation fee in 2005. With this support, I did so well in studies as usual and in 2006, I again received financial assistance for academic excellence from the Cameroon government. With more support, I successfully graduated in 2007 with a second class honours degree in Geology with a minor in Environmental science, scoring a GPA of 3.25 on a scale of 4 (16.3/20).

After one year at home, coupled unemployment, I decided to register for a master’s programme at the University of Buea after raising some money from my temporary local jobs in Douala. I read Applied Geology from 2008 to 2010 and graduated with a first class Master of Science degree in Applied Geology, scoring a GPA of 3.80on of 4 (19/20).

My supervisor during the master’s programme, Professor Samuel Ndonwi Ayonghe, advised me to apply for a PhD programme through the Japanese Government MONBUKAGAKUSHO Scholarship (MEXT). Out of 8 pre-selected students, I was selected among the two successful candidates after exams and interview. By the grace of God, I will graduate in 2014 with a PhD of Science with a specialty in Hydrogeochemistry and Application of Environmental Isotopes in Hydrology. Though I still have one more year to go, I have so far published several papers (http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=NqMp3ZcAAAAJ). I hope to complete my studies and return home to help my beloved country, Cameroon. I hope my story will be a source of inspiration for others. In life, never give up.

Educare-Africa Center in Tatum

Finally our dream will come true and it will greatly improve our work in Cameroon.

EDUCARE-AFRICA CENTER, Tatum, Northwest province, Cameroon

To whom it concern;

1. Why did we decide to establish this Center? In 2007, two rooms in the house that we have been using for the past 3-4 years were already rented when we arrived so we were forced to use a large parlor, which was without ceiling, very drafty and had many leaks. That was a hint that we needed to look for our own place.
   
   
2. What do we plan for the Center?
   

• Educare-Africa office, of course
• Public library with public internet services
• A dormitory for 12 outstanding female students
• Computer lab for teaching students, teachers and the public
• Several guest rooms
• Housekeeper, who will live on the grounds and take care of things, work on the farm, garden, etc. with our students’ assistance; Couple dogs for security and great company;
• Farm, Vegetable garden, fruit trees, poultry, some animals to raise food and generate some funds to keep the place sustainable;

Mr. Emmanuel Sunjo, our national coordinator in Cameroon, is finishing the project proposal with an estimate for the first phase.

Executive Summary Trip 2006

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Of my 7th trip to Cameroon from May 21st to June 30th, 2006.
By Pavla Zakova-Laney, President of EDUCARE-AFRICA

1. On May 22nd, 2006 I arrived successfully in Yaounde, Cameroon. Emmanuel Sunjo & 2 other gentlemen waited for me at the airport and drove me to a rest house. The next day I met the US ambassador, his deputy and security chief to make plans for my safe stay in Cameroon.
2. On May 31st, our former director’s services were finally terminated thanks to a great lawyer, Mr. Sama Francis Asanga. On June 3rd I arrived in Tatum. Fred Tume, a zookeeper at Yaounde ZOO, accompanied me all the way from Yaounde and assisted me. He took 17 days off his work to serve.
3. Basic school supplies for 65 best students from G.H.S. Tatum were purchased at Kumbo and given during a prize giving ceremony on June 7th. Donated clothes, and a few other donations were distributed to 17 students. 86 students received financial assistance for their immediate needs such as school fees, G.C.E. registration fees, rent, kerosene, food, school uniforms, shoes and transport back to their villages. 35 staff members from G.H.S. Tatum received pens for encouragement. Six stop watches were purchased for the physics department.
4. I met with the new principal, Mr. Emmanuel Njei and the staff to brief them on Gilbert’s termination and our plans. Students, staff and parents were all very happy with the new principal, who has been working very hard since he came to Tatum.
5. At this time, since I had no one to work with, we were not accepting new applications. I met with 96 students and some of their parents to inform them that Gilbert was no longer our director and that the students chosen for assistance who did not receive any support this year would be placed on our priority list for the next academic year. They would be the first ones to get assistance in September 2006 as soon as we have enough funds.
A printed note was sent to students from Ndu, G.S.S. Ntumbaw, G.S.S. Mbu-warr and several other schools, which we could not reach during my visit.
6. Emmanuel Sunjo & I also met with our students from Yaounde & Buea Universities and from schools around Bamenda to inform them about our former director’s termination and our plans for the future.
7. A foundation for a new Educare-Africa team was laid, thanks to Emmanuel Sunjo and other caring Cameroonians. This summer, 2 new employees will be hired: an administrative assistant, a female, who will be handling finances and an executive field coordinator, who will assist the students. Whenever possible, we would pay the school fees directly to the schools. We already have established a board of 9 directors from Yaounde, Douala, Bamenda, Kumbo & Tatum, who will oversee the operations in Cameroon. We will have a new office location with time. We will open a bank account with the Amity Bank in Cameroon to avoid high Western Union charges in the future.

UPCOMING ASSISTANCE: We want to assist about 220 secondary/high school students, around 40 high school graduates, who would like to continue their education and about 35 university students. Approximately $30,000 by the end of September 2006 would take care of these children’s essential educational needs.
We want to avoid any challenges associated with volunteer work in Cameroon and therefore both our new Cameroonian employees will be paid on regular basis based on our contract with them. In addition, we will be renting a small office. For these reasons, we will need a regular monthly income to cover these necessary expenses.

Pavla Zakova-Laney,
Founder, President, Executive director &
Full-time volunteer of EDUCARE-AFRICA

Albany, July 7, 2006

Executive Summary Trip 2007

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Of my 8th trip to Cameroon from May 17th to July 7th, 2007.
By Pavla Zakova-Laney, President of EDUCARE-AFRICA

1. On May 18th, 2007 I arrived successfully in Yaounde, Cameroon. Emmanuel Sunjo, our country coordinator, picked me up at the airport and drove me to a rest house. The next day Emmanuel and I made plans for my safe stay and activities in Cameroon. There were three holidays in a row so I was not able to exchange travelers checks until Tuesday, May 22nd.
2. On May 22nd I traveled with Calvin Hohn (Dr. Bonnlander’s son-in-law) from Yaounde to Bamenda, which saved us some precious funds so I was very grateful. The next day I met our new executive field coordinator, Mr. Kevin Mbile. He is gentle, humble, forgiving and understanding. I also visited our new office. We need office equipment and furniture. We ordered a photocopy machine during my trip. Thanks to Ludwig Teichgraber from Canada, we received donations of 4 computers, 29 boxes of university level textbooks and some wood for bookshelves – and more blessings are on the way.
3. Basic school supplies for 58 best students from G.H.S. Tatum & G.S.S. Nseh were purchased and given during prize giving ceremonies on May 31st & June 1st. Donated clothes, and other donations were distributed to 33 students. 125 students benefited from donated pens and 5 Joy & Success Clubs in various schools received donated spiritual books and Daily Word magazines. 56 students received financial assistance for their immediate needs such as school fees, G.C.E. registration fees, rent, kerosene, food, school uniforms, shoes and transport back to their villages. 39 staff members from G.H.S. Tatum, 18 from G.S.S. Mbu-warr & 12 from G.S.S. Ntumbaw received pens for encouragement. 19 secondary and high school textbooks and 16 Bibles were purchased as well as more science lab equipment for the Science Laboratory in Tatum. A new soccer ball donated by Ms. Cathy Edmonston was given to the school sport prefect during the prize giving ceremony. The P.T.A. built the Science Lab building, which is almost completed. Much more science lab equipment is needed for the lab to be fully functional by September 2007. Funds for 26 students on our priority list were set aside to pay school fees directly to the schools in September. Two Wellesley College Book Awards were given to the two best female science students from GHS Tatum and GBHS Kumbo.
4. On May 26th Kevin and I arrived in Tatum and went to school for the P.T.A. (Parents Teachers Association) meeting to inform the parents and the staff about all the blessings and our planned activities.
5. Since we had so many students on our list and we could not assist them all, we decided not to accept any more new male students this year and only a few outstanding female students. We want to be able to assist all we choose. Kevin and I took a vehicle to several schools, where our students attend to inform them about purchasing re-applications and follow up steps.
6. On June 19th we met with our students at Bambili, on July 1st with university students in Yaounde and on July 2nd with students in Buea. In Tatum, we met and discussed with students and parents on June 23rd, 24th, 26th & 27th. We met with In Harmony scholars and their parents on June 25th. During my trip we chose 135 students. Kevin will continue to meet and discuss with the students I was not able to meet with. Our list for 2007/2008 will be finalized by August 15th, 2007.
7. We had our first board meeting on June 20th and together, we made some changes for the up coming years. We will accept eligible students from secondary schools and take them all the way through higher education (university, ENS, teachers training colleges, professional schools, etc.) as long as they will be eligible and will perform well morally and academically. Our goal is to assist 60% female and 40% male students. We have now 5 board members and 5 representatives in various locations in Cameroon.
8. We concluded that for our work to be more efficient, we want to build an Educare-Africa Center in Tatum which will consist of a public library, computer and internet lab, our office, a few guest rooms, a small girls’ dormitory, a housekeeper, house & a guest family apartment for rent, a farm, garden, poultry, fruit trees, animals, several dogs and a garage. We are negotiating right now for a piece of land above the school farm. We also have an estimate for a vehicle since transportation is essential for our activities. MIVA in Switzerland assists non-governmental organizations with half of the funds for a vehicle. Our number one choice is a used Toyota Hilux double cabin pickup. I have a photograph available along with the estimate. We will need about $8,500 to purchase the vehicle and $2,800 for registration, necessary documents, insurance, tires, fuel, maintenance and unforeseen expenses for the first year.
9. As a side project, I brought a few collars, leashes, flea collars and kind donations of vitamins, de-worming tablets and flea treatment from the Reid Veterinary Hospital in Albany to give to Justin Tagne at the Cameroon Baptist Center in Bamenda. He assisted over 22 dogs with these in addition to assisting the owners with the bathing of the dogs and advising them on exercise, food and places to stay. I took photographs of all these dogs. Justin has also been helping stray dogs. I met a local veterinarian, Dr.Munki Julius Nfor, who is a coordinator for a non-profit group SPALE, P.O. BOX 5170 NKWEN BAMENDA, CAMEROON; TEL(237)75 14 92 85, which also assists stray dogs. Perhaps next year, we will be able to assist more dogs and maybe even cats. In Cameroon most people do not know how to take proper care of animals and many are afraid of dogs and do not respect any animals.

UPCOMING ASSISTANCE: We want to assist about 120 secondary/high school students and about 35 university students. Approximately $18,000 by mid September 2007 would take care of these children’s essential educational needs. Since the deadline for payment of the school fees is in mid September, it would be the best to have the funds available before September 15th. When the school fees and the GCE exam registration fees are not paid in time, students are often sent home from school, which has a detrimental effect on their exam results.
As soon as we will have a project proposal and an estimate for our Center in Tatum, we will inform you. We have a rough sketch of the Center available.

Pavla Zakova-Laney,

Founder and full-time volunteer President &

Executive Director of Educare-Africa

Albany, July 11, 2007

Executive Summary Trip 2008

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Of my 9th trip to Cameroon from May 17th to July 7th, 2008.
By Pavla Zakova-Laney, President of EDUCARE-AFRICA

1. On May 18th, 2008 I arrived successfully in Yaounde, Cameroon. Mrs. Gladys Sunjo, wife of our country coordinator, picked me up at the airport and drove me to a rest house. There were two holidays in a row so I was not able to go to the bank until Wednesday, May 21st.
2. On May 22nd Mr. Kevin, our field coordinator, and I traveled by public transport overnight to Bamenda, where the Moneygram finally released our funds. Thanks to Ericka LaManna, a dedicated teacher from Texas, we received 18 boxes with donations of school supplies and school bags. More blessings are on the way and will arrive in Cameroon around mid-July. Among them are 50 boxes with university level textbooks, some school supplies, two filing cabinets, a new printer and office supplies for our office.
3. Basic school supplies for the 90 best students from G.H.S. Tatum, G.S.S. Nseh and G.H.S. Ntumbaw were purchased and given during prize giving ceremonies on May 29th and 30th. Donated school bags, toothbrushes and other donations were distributed to 65 students. 6 Joy & Success Clubs in various schools received donated spiritual books and Daily Word magazines. 41 students received financial assistance for their immediate needs such as school fees, G.C.E. registration fees, rent, kerosene, food, school uniforms, shoes and transport back to their villages. About 100 staff members from G.H.S. Tatum, G.S.S. Nseh and G.H.S. Ntumbaw received pens and some colored chalk for encouragement. More science lab equipment for the Science Laboratory in Tatum was purchased and we learned that for the first time, science students from the examination classes were able to do the practical exams at the school lab. Some textbooks for higher classes will be purchased in August from the funds we set aside from Trip 2008. Funds for 25 students on our priority list and other students were set aside to pay school fees directly to the schools in September. Two Wellesley College Book Awards were given to the two best female science students from G.B.H.S. Ndu and G.B.H.S. Kumbo.
4. On May 28th Kevin and I arrived in Tatum. On May 29th and 30th we went to five schools to inform the students about re-applications, scholarship applications for new students and we also distributed prizes in three of them. On Saturday, May 31st, we went to school for the P.T.A. (Parents Teachers Association) meeting to inform the parents and the staff about all the blessings and our planned activities.
5. During our annual board meeting on June 16th in Bamenda, we decided to raise the annual required averages for all the classes. In addition, to inspire more outstanding female students to apply, we will prepare a special monetary prize next year for a female student from form three with an average of at least 17.5/20. Our goal is to assist 60% female and 40% male students. For the 2008/2009 academic year, we gave an opportunity to 20 new male and 40 female students to apply for scholarships.
6. On June 13th we met with our students at Bambili, on June 29th with university students in Yaounde and on July 1st with students in Buea. In Tatum, we met and discussed with students and parents on June 20th, 21st, 23rd, 24th and 25th. We met with In Harmony scholars on June 22nd. During my trip we chose 126 students. Kevin will continue to meet and discuss with the students I was not able to meet with. Our list for 2008/2009 will be finalized by August 15th, 2008.
7. A project proposal with an estimate for the first phase of building the Educare-Africa Center in Tatum is almost completed and will be mailed to our office in the United States within the next four weeks. It will consist of a public library, computer and internet lab, our office, a few guest rooms, a small girls’ dormitory, a housekeeper house & a guest family apartment for rent, a farm, garden, poultry, fruit trees, animals, several dogs and a garage. We purchased a piece of land above the school farm. We also decided we will begin setting aside some funds each time we send funds to Cameroon for our first vehicle Toyota Hilux double cabin pickup. We need about $8,500 to purchase the vehicle and $2,800 for registration, necessary documents, insurance, tires, fuel, maintenance and unforeseen expenses for the first year.
9. As a side project, Justin Tagne from the Cameroon Baptist Center in Bamenda and I drove around town on Sunday, June 15th with a veterinarian he works with and we saw 24 dogs and their owners Justin has been assisting in one way or other. Justin has also been helping stray dogs. The Reid Animal Hospital in Albany donated again some equipment, vitamins, de-worming tablets and flea treatment. These will arrive on a sea container sometime later in July. Justin will continue to work with veterinarian, Dr.Munki Julius Nfor, who is a coordinator for a non-profit group SPALE, P.O. BOX 5170 NKWEN BAMENDA, CAMEROON; TEL(237)75 14 92 85, which also assists stray dogs. I will contact other veterinary clinics in Albany to see if they would be willing to help as well.
UPCOMING ASSISTANCE: We want to assist about 130 secondary/high school students and about 30 university students. Approximately $18,000 by mid September 2008 would take care of these students’ essential educational needs. Since the deadline for payment of the school fees is in mid September, it would be the best to have the funds available before September 15th. When the school fees and the GCE exam registration fees are not paid in time, students are often sent home from school, which has a detrimental effect on their exam results.
As soon as we will have a project proposal and an estimate for our Center in Tatum, we will inform you.

Pavla Zakova-Laney,
Founder, Full-time volunteer President & Executive director of EDUCARE-AFRICA

Albany, July 13, 2008

Donate Through Justgive.org

Educare Africa makes it easy for you to donate via the web by using JustGive.org.

Thanks for your contribution!

We will use these resources to:

• buy textbooks in Cameroon (they are not available in the U.S.A.)
• purchase school supplies in Cameroon (it saves $ for shipping)
• assist needy students with paying for rent, food, clothing, kerosene, health care, shoe repair, transport to their villages when school is over
• assist brilliant students in applying to American colleges

Other Help

• You can also sponsor an individual student(s) either monthly or annually.
• If you know a group, club, leadership class, youth or women's group interested in our volunteer work in Cameroon, please contact Pavla [email: pavlazl@comcast.net ; or phone: (541) 924-9290] to set up a presentation about her Peace Corps and Educare-Africa activities in Cameroon.
• If you or someone you know would travel to Cameroon, you can bring some of these donations with you and drop them at Peace Corps office in Yaounde (near the Omnisport Stadium). Write on them “For EDUCARE-AFRICA,” attn. Cyprian. He will take care of these donations.
• You can become a PEN PAL for a student in Cameroon. They would love to have pen friends. Or you can find some pen friends and let us know. What you need to do to become a pen friend is to write a letter with your name, address, photograph and information about yourself (age, school, interests, family, beliefs, etc.) and send it to EDUCARE-Africa. We will find a match for you and you can just wait for your reply from a student from Cameroon.

Mission Statement

Mission

To improve living and learning conditions for the students and teachers in Cameroon today so that the students can successfully complete their education and then can help their country. In addition, to promote peace, cross-cultural understanding, love and unity of all people.

“I am dedicating myself to the love of God and the love of my neighbor as myself.
I am dedicating myself to serving ‘the least of these my brethren,’ and the greatest along with the least.”

Joel S. Goldsmith, Consciousness Is What I Am

Why do we need a vehicle?

For security reasons, for the past two years we have often used private vehicles for transportation which was very expensive. Public transport is time consuming because the vehicles do not leave unless they are full and overloaded. To make it profitable drivers put too many people inside and children, bags, heavy bags wit potatoes, beans, corn, containers with palm oil, kerosene, live animals, etc. go into the trunk or ont he top. There is no way one can safely carry science lab equipment in such conditions. In addition, drivers often go too fast on bad dirt roads. It will be cheaper, faster and more secure to have our own vehicle like all other non-profits in Cameroon, with which to carry books, school or building supplies or whatever else we need.

We chose a used Toyota Hilax pick up truck (photograph attached). We need to raise about $8,000 to purchase one. A Swiss NGO, MIVA, provides the second half of the money needed for purchase. It will cost about $2,800 for one year for gas an maitenance.

Our Success Stories

VERDZEKOV DIVINE LUNGLA

Born on the 12th of August 1980 in to the family of Mr./Mrs. Jaff Lucas Verdzekov, I went to Presbyterian Primary School Nseh in Nso in Bui Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. After seven years of primary education, I was admitted at the Government Secondary School Tatum in 1994. Two years later, we were blessed with Mrs. Pavla Zakova – a US Peace Corps Volunteer who came in as a biology teacher. Together with other teachers in what can only be described as a supportive caring and dedicated staff environment, I was schooled through the interactive teaching approach made possible in small classrooms until 1999 when I graduated after writing the G.C.E Ordinary Level certificate exams.

Dark clouds started looming around my educational part, as my parents were not ready to single handedly financed my higher education. As subsistence farmers and with six of us to carter for, it became clear that that my educational career was going to end prematurely. However, Madame Pavla will always stand out for me because of her accommodating approach to education “assisting good, needy and intelligent students”
With the creation of Educare-Africa to help ameliorate the conditions of teachers and students in Cameroon, I was fortunate to be selected amongst her beneficiaries. Even though the assistance I got from Educare-Africa did not cover all my expenses, it is thanks to it that I completed from Government High School Kumbo with an Advanced Level Certificate in History and Geography. Through re-application and subsequent assistance from Educare-Africa, I later went to the University of Buea Cameroon where I did Women and Gender Studies together with Sociology and Anthropology for four years and came out with a double degree with an average of 2.97/4 in the above disciplines in 2007.
After graduation from the university, I volunteer for Community Education and Development Services (CEDS) Bamenda – a woman focused N.G.O. There I served as a program coordinator in charge of Advocacy, Networking and Lobbying till November 2008. At the moment, I am currently working as a Social Welfare Officer with the Diocesan Family Life Office for the Diocese of Kumbo specifically providing assistance to single parents and people living with HIV/AIDS on several incomes generating activities and other survival strategies.
It is still my wish to further my education through the Masters and PHD Levels to be able to better serve my nation. My field experience working with women and in particular the less privileged in mostly remote areas of the North West Region of Cameroon are now the contributing factors behind my desire for further knowledge within the disciplines of Women and Gender / Sociology and Anthropology. These are the desires of many good, needy and intelligent students in Africa and Cameroon in particular.