Mbiame

The Chalice sponsor site of Mbiame is administrated by The Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. The majority of people living in this area are farmers, growing maize, beans, potatoes, plaintain, cassava, groundnuts and coffee on a small scale. Living conditions are very difficult.

Because families cannot afford education, the dropout rates are very high, and the consequences are teenage pregnancies and an increase in HIV/AIDS patients. The number of orphans is increasing steadily.

The Sisters are providing education, health care, and care for orphans, vulnerable children and elderly persons.

Director's Report 2012 - Mbiame Site, Cameroon

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you do onto me.” (Mt 25:40)
Once more we wish to keep you informed on the progress and activities that have gone on in our Site for the past year. We are very grateful for your untiring generosity to give a future to our children and a meaning to the lives of our disabled and elderly. May the almighty God reward and bless you and your families a hundredfold.

Mbiame site is three years old and is presently assisting 389 sponsored children and adults. Out of this number 332 are children attending school (16 are attending Nursery schools, 186 attending Primary schools, 130 attending Secondary Schools); 21 are in Professional Training Centers; 17 are disabled, who do not go to school; and 19 are elderly. This year, we gave priority to children’s education and health.

Education: All our children who are going to school have benefited much from your generosity. They have regular school attendance because they no longer lack school fees and study materials as before. Most of these children did well in their exams this year. Furthermore, some non-sponsored children also benefited from the program, as we assisted them with the payment of their school fees and gifts of exercise books, encouraging them to study hard. From time to time, we contact some of their teachers to ensure that they are regular in school. In this way, the sponsorship program is extending beyond the group of sponsored children and making positive change in the greater community.
Health: We ensure that all our children are in good health. Our target this year has been to have test for HIV, since it is of high risk in the area. A nearby Health Centre provides us with the opportunity to have our children tested as soon as they are entered into the sponsorship program. We also assist some non-sponsored children who are unable to afford necessary medical treatments. Our next target in the health sector is to have all our sponsored ones registered in the BEPHA, which is a Diocesan health program, to ensure that health insurance is guaranteed for the children and their families.

Nutrition: Our children are always increasing their nourishment through sponsorship. We do not supply them with food handouts directly, but their caretakers and guardians are able to provide more nutritious food because of the sponsorship funds they receive directly into their Credit Union Accounts. The elderly ones who are no longer able to go to the farm are also provided assistance and are greatly for your generosity. We regularly monitor the health of the family through checkups.

Community Development: In the area of community development we started sheep rearing. We now have 14 sheep. Our plan is to also help some non-sponsored families in this respect to avoid jealousy between sponsored and non-sponsored families in the community. The families who are sheep rearing can provide themselves with protein and help sustain their families financially. Due to this venture many families have been able to repair their homes and are now living in better conditions. Others, through our direction and guidance, are planning to build small houses to live in. This has all been accomplished through your generosity of Grants and Special Money.

Christmas is always a wonderful celebration. Every year part of the Christmas money you send to us is given directly to the children’s families so they can celebrate on Christmas Day. The other part of the money is used to buy gifts for those in need in the community, helping to spread the joy of the season throughout. Our celebrations start with Holy Mass and after Mass all of the sponsored children with their parents assemble in front of the Chalice office where we celebrate with singing, dancing and rejoicing. After, Christmas gifts are distributed to our children, and elderly including some non-sponsored and sweets are provided to all who are present. The day is so remarkable that everyone returns home rejoicing and praising the Lord for his goodness to them through you.

Dear sponsors, with so many people in this world, on your judgment day, you will be able to proclaim with open hearts to God how much you have loved your neighbor, especially the poor and underprivileged ones. You will be happy to tell HIM that you loved HIM and HIS people in Mbiame. All we can promise you is nothing other than our humble prayers that God should continue to bless you, your families and your country.
United in Christ,
Sr. Quindoline Wiylahnyuy
Mbiame Site Directress
Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart