20 Year Anniversary

In June 1996 I arrived in Cameroon for the first time. I was a Peace Corps trainee hoping to become a Peace Corps science teacher. After 3 months intensive training I was posted as a biology teacher at G.S.S. Tatum in the Northwest Region. I was a class mistress of one class for 3 years, started two clubs, got married there in July 1998, took many students for excursions and in 1999 I took my class 3.B, 34 students at the time, for once in a lifetime trip to the Atlantic Ocean, Limbe botanic garden, Wildlife Sanctuary, Oil refinery and Douala. In 2000, I started Educare-Africa and became a full-time volunteer president and executive director. I enjoy every moment of my amazing life.

Following are photographs from my Peace Corps service that include our training, teaching, dancing, excursions, our wedding and Educare-Africa activities. I hope you will enjoy these and remember many good needy eager students and schools in this beautiful country.

Peace Corps Training

Peace Corps Training Center at Ngaoundere

With my homestay family at Ngaoundere

Our French Class

Traditional Dance at Nganha village

Group of my fellow trainees at Kumba

Some of our Peace Corps trainers

Our group of educational volunteers

 

 

Peace Corps service 1996-1999

 

My Peace Corps house with GSS Tatum in the background

My Peace Corps bedroom/office

Near Sabga

Tatum overview

Government Secondary School Tatum in 2000

Excursion with Form 1 students

Waiting at Hilary phone booth at Kumbo for a call from USA

Dilapidated veranda in front of my classroom

Children on a path to G.S.S. Tatum

With my class and my colleagues Mr. Julius Tibi at the Fon's Palace at Oku before continuing our excursion to Lake Oku

Traditional palace at Mbot

With my Joy & Success club

Wooden bike made by children. It works!

With Grace, one of my students

Kumbo, nearest town (about 15 miles)

Visiting students village

With my first sweet furry friend, Loyer

Dancing Cha-Cha with Pascal, one of my students

Receiving gifts when visiting Ngar village

Just received a traditional title Ngwang, which included the dress, cap & bag (1999)

Our wedding day in Tatum - July 21, 1998

Wedding ceremony at Presbyterian Church, Tatum

My class 3.B excursion to the Atlantic Ocean, Limbe & Douala in 1999

Myreen waterfall, my favorite place

At Limbe botanic garden with my class

Pascal & others on their first motor boat ride at Limbe

With my students during our big trip in 1999

Trekking to visit my students at Ntaaba & helping stranded travelers

Kick off Pavla's Soccer cup at G.S.S. Tatum

Traditional dance performed by students during 1998 Youth Day Celebrations

With G.S.S. Tatum staff