A NEW APPROACH TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Introduction:

There has been a worldwide debate within the past few years on how to tackle the problem of development and thereby eradicate poverty in developing countries.

Many conferences, workshops have been held and position papers have been written on alternative methods to African development particularly the role of grass roots organizations, call them NGO’s, NPO’s or CSO’s.

One of such non-profit organizations that has come up with a different approach in addressing issues of poverty and misery in Africa and other parts of the world is 4 The World.

Nature

Based in the USA, 4 The World is a non-profit organization that provides support to underdeveloped communities throughout the world.

What is unique about 4 The World is that it approaches development by empowering local people to collaborate, learn new skills, and improve their own communities.

The community then becomes owners of their own development destiny.

4 The World Cameroon

In an effort to help reduce poverty and disease in rural Cameroon, the Cameroon chapter-affiliate of 4 The World USA was registered under Cameroon law on the 28th of September 2006 as a non-profit organization. With headquarters in Kumba South West Province, Cameroon, 4 The World Cameroon is an affiliate to 4 The World USA but operating specifically in Cameroon.

Mission Statement

4 The World Cameroon has as its Mission Statement ‘To work with disadvantaged communities in an integrated manner that will promote self-reliance”

Objectives

1. To improve on the economic livelihoods of the rural population especially vulnerable groups
2. To implement an ecological sustainable agriculture in the rural areas.
3. To contribute towards the welfare of local schools and orphanages in rural areas

Activities

To achieve its activities, 4 The World Cameroon shall undertake the following activities:

1. Carry out a capacity building program for identified groups
2. Engage in volunteer and internship programs
3. Support rural agricultural programs
4. Care and support to the elderly and vulnerable children such as orphans and children affected or living with HIV/AIDS
5. Assist in the education of children in rural areas
6. Work to improve access to health care in the rural areas.

The way forward (kick-starting 4 The World Cameroon)

Having acquired a legal status under Cameroon law, the immediate task of 4 The World Cameroon is

a) To establish a minimum functional office with at least one permanent staff
b) To identify three (03) priority areas in Cameroon where the need is great with a particular focus on children and education
c) To develop a strategic plan framework for 4 The World Cameroon 2007 – 2010
d) To identify new or existing groups to work with as entry points
e) To conduct needs assessments and research development in order to identify the greatest needs in context of 4 The World USA model.
f) To provide the necessary resources (financial, technical, volunteers, material etc) for 4 The World Cameroon to undertake its activities.

Conclusion

It is expected that within the 1st phase of operation (2007 – 2010) 4 The World Cameroon will be able to work with local schools and orphanages in rural Cameroon and implement an ecological sustainable agriculture practice in rural target communities.

Secondly, the economic livelihoods of 300 households in rural target communities shall be improved with a focus on vulnerable households having grand parents looking after HIV/AIDS orphans.

By so doing, 4 The World Cameroon shall be a formidable partner in empowering rural communities, alleviating poverty and disease control.

For more information, please contact:

4 The World Cameroon
Attention: Mr. Mukete Tahle Itoe, President
P.O. Box 626 Kumba
South West Province
Rep. of Cameroon

Tel: (237) 753 66 82
Fax: (237) 335 40 09
E-mail: 4theworld@yahoo.com

or in the U.S.

4 The World USA
Attention: Mr. Robert Keith Froom, Executive Director
P.O. Box 426
Gardena, CA 90248 USA

Tel: (310) 561-8433
Fax: (310) 561-8462
E-mail: admin@4theworld.org