PROSPECTUS FOR ST LOUIS UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF HEALTH BAMENDA FOR 2014/2015

St Louis is run in collaboration with the University of Buea,  the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Public Health Yaounde.

 St Louis University Institute of Health and Biomedical Sciences, also referred to as St Louis Higher Institute of Health and Biomedical sciences in some documents or simply St LOUIS, is the reference for excellence and technological transfer in Cameroon. That is what the Minister of Higher Education says.

  Your life starts with a dream, a desire and a passion for success. St Louis is the path to making that dream a reality. At St Louis, we insist on quality and character formation. We are strict. If you do not like military styled discipline, do not come to us. We are particular about examinations ethics as we mold honest Cameroonians.

 WHY ARE WE DIFFERENT?

  St Louis is grounded in professional education. We teach and train our youths to become useful and productive as nation builders. We believe that proper grounding in theory and practical work are essential for the new Cameroonian of today. Vision 2035 starts today with proper technological and skills training.

  

Attitude makes all the difference and we pay a greater part of our attention to building the characters of youth to reflect love, service, empathy and altruism. Civility is the keyword.

 Our products are creative, innovative, love to work in a team and fit into leadership positions at all times, because working in a team and being tolerant and understanding others is something they have mastered. They seek to understand others before making their point. Dealing with others in a win-win arrangement is something they grow to cherish, live and teach.

 Our products are responsible and accountable. They develop a sound sense of imagination, courage and are proactive. They make judgments based on informed choices. They are problem solvers and are above all good planners with a keen sense of time use.

  This is what we do at St Louis to get the products that are cherished the world over. Your son and daughter are in the right place and at the right time doing the right thing for the right reasons when they study at St Louis. That is success in a package.

SOME TELLING STATISTICS ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS ON THE FIELD.

 Employment By The Cameroon Government.

 Recruited 247 St Louis graduates into the Ministry of Pubic Health in 2009.

For the 25.000 job offer, 307 of our products were employed.

There was a recent recruitment in 2014. 97 of those employed were St Louis products. Of these 75 were diploma students and 22 were nurses with the bachelor degree. The ministry wanted 100 students at the bachelor level. 40 were selected nationally and out of these 22 came from St Louis.

                   

Employment By The Private Sector.

 Recruitment by the Catholic Mission… Many. See the Njinikom Catholic Hospital, St Mary Solidad and many others.

 The Presbyterian Mission Health Board

Private sector like the Muna Foundation Clinic in Bonanjo etc.

Many have been employed abroad in the USA, Canada, Germany, Dubai etc.

STUDENT STATISTICS

  In the first year of existence, St Louis admitted 12 students. Today, the current student population in level100-level400 for 2014 is 1236 students.

  Level100= 381, level200= 415, level 300= 298, level 400 = 142.

They are divided into the seven departments in these numbers: Midwifery = 69, Dentistry = 110, Physiotherapy = 131, Medical Imaging (radiology and echography) = 85, Pharmacy = 123, Medical Lab Science = 165, Nursing = 553 students.

 The number of females is slightly more than males. The ratio of Anglophones to Francophones is close to 50:50. However, there are more Anglophones in Nursing and Medical Laboratory Technology. Francophones are over represented in Dentistry and Physiotherapy.

 So far 3,181 students have registered in St Louis at the diploma level. 321 have registered at the Bachelor level.

 The Ministry of Higher Education and Public Health Yaounde as well as the University of Buea give us a very high rating amongst our peers.

  

OUR PHILOSOPHY

 We do not lead people, we do not push either. We help you walk the path that matches your purpose for living. We discover your passion with you while helping you to trust yourself and others as we make you to understand the value of work that is well done. We encourage honesty, self discipline, prayer, the respect of our environment and the cherished win-win mentality in all human deals.

 In Cameroon, we have enough for every ones need but not enough for our collective greed. St Louis is here to bless. We are the measure of professionalism and are thus agents of change, growth and transformation. Character is of the essence.

 We thank all those hospitals and clinics nationwide who have been helping us with practical training on the field. We are also grateful to the Minister of Public Health , Higher Education and the University of Buea for their support as they monitor the training and also employ our products.

 MINDSET CHANGES:

 As from this Academic year 2014-2015, the System Engineer and IT guru Rindah Charles Luanga Ngwanyam will add something new in our training. He is a budding inspirational speaker, mentor and icon for youths and he shall specifically teach all the students the Success Principles expounded by Stephen Covey in ‘The 7 HABITS of HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE” and ‘FIRST THINGS FIRST” by the same author. See Appendix D.

 PROGRAMS AT ST LOUIS

  A)   DIPLOMA PROGRAMS:

Higher Professional Diploma = HPD= DSEP. (PHASE ONE.)

  

We train ‘A’ Level or BACC holders for three years at diploma level in seven disciplines. These are:

A)      Nursing,

B)      Midwifery,

C)      Physiotherapy,

D)      Pharmacy Technology,

E)      Medical Lab Sciences,

F)      Dental Therapy,

G)     Radiology and Ultra-sonography.

We strongly recommend midwifery for many of you seeking a profession. There is a huge shortage in Cameroon in this field and the opportunities to work with the government in this area are enormous.

  B)      OUR DEGREE PROGRAMS : (PHASE TWO) B TECH. ( Bachelor Technology).

You must have a diploma to be admitted in this course for one academic year. Admission requirements are HPD, HND or DSEP. If you have the  SRN or any other diploma from the Ministry of Health, you will be admitted in the 3^rd year of the HPD program. You will get the HPD and then qualify to be admitted for the one year degree program.

 1.       Nursing,

2.       Medical Imaging Or Radiology,

3.       Physiotherapy,

4.       Dentistry,

5.       Medical Laboratory Sciences.

 Degree programs in Midwifery and Pharmacy are to come later.

  FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS FOR ALL BACHELOR COURSES.

 ·         FEES ……………………………….                        350,000frs

·         Internship payments to receiving hospitals              20,000frs

·         Research supervision……………………………….. 15.000frs

·         Research Presentation fees and logistics………… 15.000frs

·         Research.. filed work, analysis and compilation… by the student.

·         Registration University of  Buea …                          50.000frs

·         Examination fees……………………………………  50.000frs

·         1nsurance with Zenithe company…………………    1,000frs

·         School batch………………………………………      2,000frs

·         Student union dues…………………………………    2,000frs

·         Pink  shirt for boys and girls………………………    5,000frs

·         black Tie…………………………………………        2,000frs

·         White lab coat………………………………………   6.500frs

·         Special uniform for female nurses………………… 10.500frs

·         Laboratory fees for all except nurses……………   20.000frs

·         Special St Louis Tee Shirt……………………   …..2.500frs

·         Shisong Cardiac Centre contribution ( Charity)…..1.000frs

  

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS FOR ALL HPD (diploma students).

 FEES 350,000FRS YEARLY FOR 1^ST 2^nd and 3^rd years.

  Paid in one or two installments. The first is not less than 50 percent. Second installment must be in lasted 31^st of March.

  OTHER NEEDS FOR HPD STUDENTS.

   50.000frs Intranet Fees.

some relevant photocopied material would given free of charge. The type and numbers given to each student depend on school authorities and cannot be questioned. There is no uniformity. Students are encouraged to augment these with private books. This is for first year students. It is not an obligation to collect them.

Hand in 2 realms of paper A4 size to the bursar. NOT MONEY. 1^st year.

2,000 frs for progress report card. 1^st year.

3,500frs for the international student ID card. 1^st year.

2,000frs for student union dues yearly. All years.

1,000frs for insurance with Zenithe Insurance company. ALL STUDENTS. PAY THIS YEARLY.

10.000 frs for school track suit. 1^st year.

5,000frs for practical fees on the field/practice session, 1^st and 3^rd year..

Field practical (stage) fees is 10,000frs for students in 2^nd year.

8,000frs Sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. All 1^st year.

500frs thermometer. 1^st year.

Theatre wear for all Nurses and midwives – trousers, jumper: 10,000frs

Theatre cap and mask 1,500 frs Nurses and midwives.

Red tie for technicians and all males……………………….. 2,000frs

Special St Louis Tee Shirt……………………   ……………..2.500frs

PRACTICAL FEES FOR HPD STUDENTS 10.000FRS FOR THOSE IN dentistry, radiology, medical laboratory sciences. This amount is paid by level 200 and 300 students.

Shisong Cardiac Centre contribution 1^st  year     ( Charity)…..1.000fr

INTERNET CHARGES

We do not have internet connectivity yet. Would be sorted out by a provider

4^th and 1^{st and}  year students would be given a 2 gig flash stick for intranet use.

THESES ( dissertations)  AND REPORTS.. FINANCIAL BURDEN BY DIPLOMA STUDENTS:

 Correction of internship reports:

1^st Year… no charge, nop report

2^nd year… 2 reports x 5000frs = 10.000frs

3^rd year… 1 report = 5000frs.

 THESES 3^RD YEARS ( 20.000frs)

Supervisor…………………..5.000frs

Jury………………………… 5.000frs

Support for some logistics at presentation…5.000frs

Other needs……………….5.000frs

 All students are encouraged to have individual laptops. The school finds it hard to provide computers for student use because of misuse and abuse of the said equipment.

 Fees proper shall be collected only when the above mentioned items have been paid for.

 

NOTE: For students under the Ministry of Health ticket, all fees and money dues must be paid in by the 10^th of March.

 

Students who come in under the Ministry of Health do so via a ‘concour’ or competitive examination.

Their fees  ( tuition) are three hundred thousand francs a year (300.000frs/yr).

However, they pay a 50.000frs equipment maintenance fee yearly. The other financial requirements and obligations are the same like for the others in the diploma course.

 Money paid in is not refundable.

 GRADUATION FEES.

 This will be a shared cost between the school and students who wish to participate in such a graduation which is not obligatory. The rentals for the graduation gowns are separate. The caution money for the gown is usually refunded when the material is returned intact without blemish.

 WHAT IS ON OUR INTRANET?

 We are putting up some ebooks, lecture notes, power-point, practical illustrations and a lot more on this facility.

 There would be some journals, research papers, youTube material Ted Talks and some video lectures of some capital relevance for the growth of the students.

There would also be material that would beef up the student’s extra curricula activities, mindset building, business, leadership, management, spiritual growth and counseling info at the press of a button.

 GAINING ADMISSION INTO ST LOUIS WITH ‘A’ LEVELS OR BACC.

 Take note that you can be admitted directly without a ‘concour’ or through a ‘concour’ as you wish. A ‘concour’ gives you no particular advantage .

  ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

  All arts students can only study NURSING or MIDWIFERY. Science students can enroll in any of the seven fields and would be admitted even if they have just 2 points at the GCE ‘A’ Level. We do not admit Arts students with  3 points at the GCE ‘A’ Levels. We would consider those with 3 points if these include Economics and Geography.

Students who do not pass our examinations as required at the end of the year would be advised to discontinue.

  REQUIREMENTS AT ADMISSION:

  Photocopies of ‘A’ Levels or BACC certificates; birth certificate, 2 passport sized photograpghs, 5000frs, fill our form.

 

SPECIAL POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND:

 Transcripts and attestations ( TO SCHOOLS ONLY).  When necessary are sent directly via express mail services Students and their families at no time are allowed to have access to transcripts and attestations. These services are paid for. Preparation of HPD transcript costs 5,000frs. Postage in Cameroon costs 3000frs). Postage abroad costs 40,000frs.

 There have been lots of attempts at people producing fake papers and claiming to be from St Louis. These measures have been put in place to overcome some of these human difficulties.

 OUR BANK ACCOUNTS.

 You can pay fees and other finances due into any of these bank accounts anywhere in the country and provide us with the receipts for crosschecking.

 Account Name: St Louis University Institute

 1.       Ecobank Bamenda: 0200222617832001

 2.       National Financial Credit Bamenda(NFC) 17301020785 10

                        

  SCHOLARSHIPS:

 Scholarships at St. Louis  were instituted in the  2008/2009 academic year. The scholarships were implemented to last for 10 academic years, implying that the last batch of scholars shall be admitted in the academic year 2017/2018.

 You must have at least 5 points in the sciences.

·        The Donga Mantung students’ scholarship of 50% of fees.

·        The Bishop Cornelius Esua scholarship of 100% on tuition fee.

·        The Akwi Memorial Foundation scholarship 50% on tuition fee.

·        Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC sourced scholarships from us for the borrorro communities in Cameroon). Cover 50% of fees. This program will continue for five years. It is mostly for the borrorro girl. This was introduced in 2012-2013.

·        Special fees considerations (to pay only a fraction of tuition fee)

100% SCHOLARSHIPS ON FEES FOR STUDENTS WITH 12 POINTS AND MORE FROM THESE AREAS:

·        FURU-AWA, AKWAYA, DONGA MANTUNG.

Total scholarships offered stand at 85,200,000FCFA  in 2014

There are no scholarships provided by St Louis to students studying Nursing and Midwifery.

 DRESSING CODE FOR HPD and Bachelor STUDENTS

 Uniforms: lab coat from school tailor or special nurse’s uniform supplied by the school tailor.

Black trousers, white shirts, (bring these with you).

Black, cover shoes, well polished at all times. MUST WEAR SOCKS AT ALL TIMES (BOYS).

  Bachelor students wear the same uniform. They use a pink shirt with a logo from the school. They will also pay for a white lab coat to be provided by the school tailor. Should bring along a black tie. Female nurses have a special uniform.

 OTHER NEEDS.

 You will make arrangements for your own personal internship needs and expenses. Your accommodation, feeding and health is a private issue you must handle. Bring your personal computer. You will buy your own books.

 We make arrangements for student internship in the North West Region with receiving hospitals. Students who have connections with other health institutions out of the North West are free to make private negotiations for practical work in such hospitals.

 

PROSPECTUS EN FRANÇAIS … VERSION REVUE.

 L’institut universitaire de la santé et des sciences biomédicales ST LOUIS, également dénommé Institut Supérieur de la Santé et des sciences biomédicales ou simplement ST LOUIS, est la référence pour l’excellence et le transfert de technologie au Cameroun. Nous traçons la voie et déterminons les limites. Les autres suivent.

 Votre vie, votre avenir, aller à la lune, être efficace et utile pour votre communauté est un mode de vie, un état d’esprit.

 « Tout commence par un rêve. Si vous y ajoutez  de la foi, cela devient une croyance. Ajoutez- y de l’action et cela devient un objectif à atteindre. Ajoutez-y de la patience et du temps et le rêve devient réalité.»   Auteur inconnu.

 «Si nous reconnaissons nos talents et les utilisons à bon escient, si nous choisissons un domaine qui les mette en valeur, nous allons atteindre le sommet de ce domaine.» (Ben Carson)

 « La question de savoir d’où nous venons et ce à quoi nous ressemblons est inappropriée. Si nous reconnaissons nos capacités, si nous sommes prêts à apprendre et à utiliser ce que nous savons pour aider les autres, nous aurons toujours une place dans le monde.»

 Ben Carson : ‘Think Big’. Libérer votre potentiel pour l’excellence.

« Je suis convaincu que la connaissance est un pouvoir–pour surmonter le passé, changer nos propres situations, lutter contre de nouveaux obstacles, prendre de meilleures décisions.»

 Ben Carson : ‘Think Big’. Libérer votre potentiel pour l’excellence.

 ST LOUIS, UN ENDROIT A PART.

  NOS FORCES 

Notre établissement est construit et géré selon la parole de Dieu. L’amour est notre maître mot. Nous sommes enracinés comme un arbre sur la parole de Dieu. Nous craignons Dieu et demeurons en sa présence. C’est la source de notre force, notre croissance, notre confiance ; notre courage et notre audace s’abreuvent dans la parole et l’action. Nous vivons simplement la parole.

POURQUOI SOMMES-NOUS DIFFERENTS ?

Professionnalisme, éducation de qualité, formation du caractère, responsabilité et renforcement des capacités  sont les qualités que votre fils ou fille obtiendra à ST LOUIS. Nous vous remercions de nous faire confiance et de faire partie de l’équipe gagnante.

  A ST LOUIS les enseignements sont de haute facture. C’est pourquoi nos produits défient toute concurrence. Nous sommes bien équipés et nos laboratoires sont parmi les meilleurs  du pays. Notre personnel est hautement qualifié, engagé, dévoué et motivé. Nous utilisons la sonorisation et les projecteurs dans les amphithéâtres et les cours sont dispensés sous forme de présentation grâce à Power Point.

 Nos programmes d’étude sont construits suivant le système de crédit et reflètent ce qui se passe sur la scène internationale.  Dans nos programmes de soins infirmiers, nous mettons un accent particulier sur la psychologie, la psychiatrie, la thérapeutique, les sciences de base et les travaux pratiques. Nous insistons sur le code de bonne conduite, l’éthique et la déontologie. Les étudiants reçoivent les informations sur la vie et l’état d’esprit d’entreprise.

 Les étudiants de ST LOUIS savent que l’indépendance ou la liberté sont fille d’un travail acharné qui se décline en discipline, honnêteté intellectuelle, prière, respect de la nature et responsabilité. Ils savent dire «oui»  ou « non » quand c’est nécessaire. N’essayez surtout pas de les pousser à faire du mal car ils sont pro-vie.

 Ils se fixent des objectifs simples, réalistes et réalisables. Ils puisent habituellement au tréfonds d’eux-mêmes pour rendre service aux autres.

 Donner et servir est essentiel à leur bonheur et à leur existence. Ce qu’ils font est mesurable et limité dans le temps. Le temps est quelque chose que nous devons apprendre à gérer au Cameroun. Nos étudiants savent comment utiliser l’analyse SWOT dans la compréhension des problèmes et la recherche des solutions utiles.

 Nous les aidons à utiliser le SYSTÈME DE LA PENSEE dans la vie.

ST-LOUIS est ancré dans l’enseignement  professionnel dans lequel nous préparons et formons les jeunes à devenir utiles, productifs et bâtisseurs de la nation.

PROGRAMMES A ST-LOUIS

PROGRAMMES DIPLOMANTS.

 Diplôme professionnel supérieur=HPD=DSEP

Nous formons les détenteurs du GCE ‘A’ level et du BACC pendant trois ans dans les sept filières suivantes.

A-      Soins infirmiers

B-      Sages-femmes

C-      Physiothérapie

D-      Technologie pharmaceutique

E-      Techniques de laboratoire

F-      Dentothérapie

G-     Radiologie ou imagerie médicale

PROGRAMMES DE LICENCE PROFESSIONNELLE

 1-       Soins infirmiers

2-       Imagerie médicale ou radiologie

3-       Physiothérapie

4-       Dentothérapie

5-       Technique de laboratoire

 Les étudiants sages-femmes seront admis en licence professionnelle en 2015.

Les premières licences seront obtenues un an après les formations diplômantes.

Les pourparlers sont en cours avec des universités étrangères et des entreprises pharmaceutiques pour le démarrage d’un cours intensif de pharmacie  productive à ST-LOUIS. La formation durera 6 ans.

NOS STATISTIQUES

Nos statistiques pour l’année 2013-2014 indiquent 1.194  étudiants en HPD (Diplôme professionnel supérieur) et 142 en Licence professionnelle.

NOTRE REFERENCE

 Nos étudiants travaillent pour la mission catholique, la mission  presbytérienne et pour de nombreux organismes privés tels que la Clinique Muna à Douala.

Le gouvernement camerounais a recruté 247 d’entre eux en2009 et une bonne fourchette dans les 25000 de 2012. D’autres encore se trouvent dans le monde entier où ils font notre fierté.

Vous trouverez des renseignements sur nous aux ministères de la santé publique, de l’enseignement supérieur ou auprès de notre mentor de l’Université de Buea.

 Ce qui nous rend spécial c’est la discipline dans laquelle nos étudiants sont moulés. C’est d’ailleurs cette marque particulière qui fait la différence entre les produits de ST LOUIS et ceux du reste du monde. Le savoir-faire technique et le soutien théorique sont solides.

Qu’est-ce qui pourrait aller plus loin que l’imagination?

APPENDIX A

CGFNS, NCLEX-RN.

ARE YOU A FOREIGN NURSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES?

1. I am a nurse. Will I be able to work in the United States?

3. Can I work in the United States if I am not from Canada or Mexico?

4. If I do not fit within any of these classifications, is there any other way to work in the United States?

2. How can I immigrate as a nurse to the United States?

3. What are the academic or licensure requirements to immigrate to the United States?

5. How do I begin the permanent residence process?

MESSAGE FROM ST LOUIS  TO STUDENTS WHO WANT TO GO TO AMERICA.

·         We are working to create many partnerships and bridges which will allow our St Louis students to follow this path easily to the USA and work or study.

 ·         This opportunity is available ONLY to students who have studied and finished the fourth year at St Louis. It is the only way we can guarantee the quality, aptitude and attitudes of the nurses we send abroad. They have to be true ambassadors of our institution and of Cameroon.

·         It is our wish that we can train and send many qualified nurses to the USA, as we take advantage of the many youths we have on our streets.  The growing lack of nurses in the USA, the desire of the youths to train and the understanding that God makes a way where there is no way for those who trust in HIM.

·         St Louis cares about youths and their problems. Getting jobs for them, getting them responsible and starting families is our pride and greatest concerns. 

·          

APPENDIX B

From the internet
 Subject: [Africanhero] The Six Keys to Success" - ADVICE

  I encourage you to memorize these six keys
by using the word ADVICE to do so.

 1.    Attitude
Bloom where you are planted. You have a choice to get back up after temporary set-backs. Attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference!

2.    Direction
If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there. Write your short term goals down on paper. I have discovered and continue to discover that putting your dreams and goals down on paper lock in or focus your belief that they can be achieved--even if you have to take a course correction in achieving your goals. Success comes in cans, failure comes in can'ts.

3.    Values
Explore what is important to you. Maybe it is family, friends, your spirituality or working hard at any given task. I can assure you that your priorities will change as you grow older. Very important that you value yourself and treat yourself like the valuable gift from God that you are.

4.    Interests
Birds of a feather flock together. This is to say that if you are hanging around winners or others with a "can do" mind-set, you'll likely adapt to this same kind of thinking. Remember--"SUCCESS LEAVES CLUES!

5.    Commitment
Feelings may change, commitments do not. "Success is getting up one more time than you fall." I have often wanted to give up, and then I must think to myself about what the consequences of giving up will be. Generally, this is more than enough of a motivation to make us stick to the task at hand even if we don't feel like it. When the task is achieved, Whow!--IT FEELS GREAT!

Encouragement
Be an encourager and comforter to friends that are feeling discouraged. I promise that you will not regret this as you will be encouraged by one, if not many, when you are feeling down. Encouragement and love are contagious qualities that can change the minds of the most stubborn and "hard-to-get-along-with" people you know. I have seen it happen over and over again.

Courtesy:Brian G. Jett

APPENDIX C

WHO ARE YOU

In the second semester, you shall write a 2 page typed essay on ‘WHO ARE YOU’. You shall follow this format…..

Part One

Essay A:

What matters most to you, and why?

Essay B: What are your aspirations? How will your education at St Louis help you achieve them?

Essay C: Tell us about a time when you empowered others.

Essay D: Tell us about a time when you tried to reach a goal or complete a task that was challenging, difficult, or frustrating.

Part Two write these other answers in one page. I NEED THREE PAGES FROM YOU FOR PART ONE AND TWO.

UNDERSTANDING SOME KEY CONCEPTS

  1.       What do you understand by these words below?

 2.       How do they refer to you and in what way do they apply to your past, present and future?

 3.       How would you relate these ideas to our youths and the nation as concerns our growth, development and emergence by 2035?

Excellence? Ignorance? Irresponsibility? Patriotism?

Just reflect on these issues below.

What does it mean to work according to God’s plan for your life?

Who decides whether you should succeed or not?

Can an orphan succeed? Why? H

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

A Visit at the Ministry of Soya

Soya business is one of the most vibrant sector that keeps life going to many youths of Nkambe town in the north west region of Cameroon. Naka Eric is the proprietor of the famous ministry of soya in Nkambe. This young father of four has been roasting meat (soya) for eight years. He says he had trained three others who today run their own business. However it should be noted that there are more than 15 soya sell points in Nkambe town but the ministry of soya where Naka is boss is an outstanding place in town.

Meet Joseph Bashi; The Emblematic Promoter of Young Footballers

Joseph Bashi is a household name in Cameroon when it comes to football. He is not just a soccer promoter but one of those rare Cameroonians who for several years now has been at the forefront of encouraging and developing the football nursery for prosterity.

In a quirk of fate, Joseph Bashi has demystified the myth surrounding youth football in Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region to organize a football tournament bringing together teams from Nwa, Ndu, Ako, Nkambe and Misaje sub Divisions respectively.  But Joe Bashi as he is popularly known was born with the gigs of it. He is a charismatic and pragmatic young man who believes organizing championships in the rural set up can rejuvenate football in Cameroon. To him, the rural areas are where talent is hidden and could only be discovered if football is taken there. History has it on record that he initiated the All Anglophone Tournament in Yaounde as well as the North West Football tournament, which for several years now has become a social bonanza for the Anglophone community in the nation capital.

The truth is that Joe Bashi mustered enough experience in developing young talents and has come back home to consolidate his achievements as an emblematic football promoter and he actually breaking the frontiers by uniting youths through football.

Joe Bashi 

The most interesting thing is that Joe’s overwhelming victory in succeeding to stand out of the madding crowd speaks volume given that he has succeeded in blending culture and football as a tool that strengthen social cohesion. “It is not only about football, it is also about bringing together Donga Mantung musicians to showcase their talent during the final. Musical albums have been produced and talents in the music sector have been uncovered”, he told this reporter. More so, Joe Bashi is a gifted mobiliser and he clutches with the God given charm that every time he takes a direction, his true followers are many. “The first thing is that we want to bring the people together and look at the talents to see those who could be encourage to take football as a profession”.

Joe Bashi is pleasantrily an attractive man, down to earth and soft-spoken too.  He is also a good public speaker yet very strict and firm man who loves soccer. As great men will always have great ideas, he says “we have invited renowned national football coaches to come and see for themselves what Donga Mantung can offer. You know bringing people on and around the field leads to many other good things happening, ie people will discuss other important issues, new friendship will be built, relationships strengthened and even family ties reinforced”. No one would deny the fact that Joe is greatly loved by the youth. Some years back, Joe sponsored football tournaments in Binka village and Nkambe Central but this is the first time that he wholeheartedly took the challenge to unite the entire Division through football. Besides, Joe is very perfect in organizational proficiency; he has shown his worth as a football promoter by humble working for development of football in the division with the hope that “Donga Mantung will one day produce a soccer star or one that will play in the National team”.

Warriors of Nwa Vs Binju FC

But above all, he is full of character, wisdom and conscience. People who frequent him are shock to see the good manners he exhibits when he communes with others. During the quarter finals between the Warriors of Nwa and Binju FC, Joe expressed satisfaction at the play style exhibited by the young players. “I think I am happy that at this level of the competition, our objectives of getting some good players with whom we can work with for the next few years are met. Notwithstanding I think it would be necessary that we also see how we can build up the capacity of referees”.  What make him different is his versatile nature and the fact that he says “there are prospects that the Division can produce world class footballers like Eto’o Fils. He can put on many caps without mistaking any. “It is not only about young talents it also about getting the best referees and giving them the support to perfect themselves". This is to say that he can perform the functions of a manager without allowing one to influence another.

Football promoters begin his rise as a self-motivated, captivating, insightful and as visionaries to astound the world with the cleverness of the solutions to peoples’ problems. “I know football can help families, take the case of Eto’o, a renowned footballer can develop our division”.  In many cases, such a visionary always appears to be the savior of the masses. It hardly takes a new configuration of promoters to belief for people but an acknowledgment and an acceptance of the fact that we will have to hold views that are different to make good choices for the football nursery to grow. His dream is not only to bring talented young footballers to the national level but hopes to break the frontiers. For the first time in the history of Donga Mantung, a football team from Nwa participated in a tournament in Nkambe. Schools have been doing it but has always been difficult for individuals to take that challenge. Record have been registered and it is hoped that by the end of the tournament, many more will enter into history books. 
(Coming up: Euphoria that surrounded the Matches, results and potrayed of team that have qualified for quarter and semi finals)

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Hon. Awudu’s Football Tournament of FCFA 1 Million Begins in Ndu/Nkambe

The Committee to oversee the 2^nd edition of Hon. Awudu Mbaya Cyprian’s Holiday Special Football Tournament met today July 29, 2014 to strategize on the rules and regulations of the tournament. The meeting which took place at the Nkambe council club behind the grandstand was chaired by Loya, the Divisional President of FECAFOOT and Samba Kingsley, the Coordinator. According to the organizing committee, the matches shall involve male and female football teams of the Donga Mantung Centre Constituency, (Nkambe Central and Ndu Sub Division). Club Presidents expressed joy and gratitude to Hon. Awudu Mbaya for his endeavour to promote the football nursery in Donga Mantung Centre and urged other elite(s) to do the same. With the falling football standard of the National team and considering the poor performance at the just ended World Cup football jamboree in Brazil prospects are high that there is need for the rejuvenation of soccer in the country. This could only be achieved through the promotion of tournaments of this magnitude, Samba Kingsley said. He disclosed that prospects of bringing some experienced and renowned football coaches to Nkambe during the semi finals and the final are very high given the fact that last year, venerated football players like Wome Nleng were in Nkambe to cheer up young footballers during the finals.

The cash prize for the male tournament is set at FCFA 700.000 while a total sum of FCFA 300.000 has been set aside for the female tournament. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Samba Kingsley said that the official launching shall take place in two distinct localities, Nkambe this weekend and Ndu next week. He however underscored the importance of the tournament adding that organizing Committee in collaboration with FECAFOOT Donga Mantung shall oversee that the tournament takes place without hitches. In Nkambe Central, Samba Kingsley said that five teams have already registered and the number is expected to be more by tomorrow as applications continue to come to the organizing committee.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Holiday Football Bonanza Hits Ntaba in the Mbaw Plain

Timothy Gonga Kari in red short

There were trumpet blasts, singing and shouting in Ntaba in the Mbaw plain as Timothy Holiday Football Tournament kick-started last Sunday with a lot of enthusiasm portrayed. The sound noise from the nearby football pitch echoed into the hills of Sop and the plains of Mbaw with every fan clubs showcasing their strength to grasp the trophy donated by the young cameraman Timothy Gonga Kari who took the challenge to sponsor the tournament from his little earings. Being the first of its kind, the launching was heavily attended. In fact no one was left back home just to be told of the excitement. Impressionists had last Sunday's football tournament rated as the highest crowd puller in the entire Mbaw Plain.

Its promoter and lone sponsor Timothy Gonga says he initiated the tournament to bring together youths during this summer holidays. Speaking to this reporter after the football encounter between Manang FC and Kibung FC, Timothy said he was overwhelmed by the massive turnout and the encouragement he is getting from some elders. “I have also discovered that bulk of talents we have in this area and I wish to thank God for giving me that inspiration”. He lamented that even though some elite(s) are reluctant in promoting social gathering like football tournaments, he is hoping that the Ndu Council will support his efforts. “I am still waiting on the Ndu given that the mayor promised to chip in something to support our initiative”.  During the first encounter between Manang FC and Kibung FC, soccer fans travelled as far as Mbawnso, Mbawrong, Ntem and Sop to watch the match. Even though the match ended by each side scoring one goal, the enthusiasm and fanfare that surrounded the entire Mbaw plain was splendid. The tournament which carries a cash prize of 50.000 FCFA has been described by many football lovers as the beginning of new horizon for the entire Mbaw plain. “50,000 FCFA is not much money that can gather a crowd of about 200 people around the pitch, it is rather significant that this tournament can serve as a football nursery for this area”, Timothy Gonga concluded.

It should be recalled that seven teams have registered and are competing in the tournament. They are Mujoh FC, Koprong FC, Manang FC, Kibung FC, Mbunkuh FC, Ntaba FC and the Carrefour Boys FC. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Tsimi Evouna to Pay FCFA 188 Million for Unlawful Demolition

Tsimi Evouna, Govt Delegate

Wednesday, July 23, 2014, will remain a great moment in the life of Mary Abeck Akwa. Engaged in the pursuit of justice since May 10, 2007 when, with impunity, Gilbert Tsimi Evouna, the government delegate to the Yaounde City Council in flagrant violation of the law, demolished her building with several apartments in Yaoundé. We remember all the steps incurred by the victim and given that all avenues for conciliation between the parties have been unsuccessful. Angered by the destruction, Mary Abeck Akwa took the Yaounde City Council to court. In handling down the judgment recently, the Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court took note of the ruling of Sept. 7, 2011, in which the lower court had condemned the Yaounde City Council, to pay a sum of 188.880.000fcfa against the astronomical sum of: 1.688.880.000fcfa requested by the accusing party. Appeals were filed on both others. After the production of a large number of submissions by the parties in conflict, the case was again enlisted for discussions, at the hearing of the Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court on 23 July. While deciding on the foreclosure of the solicitor general filed out of time, the rapporteur held admissible the appeal briefs by the City Council and Mary Abeck Akwa. The Court ruled and approved that the compensation for the damage and all damages are attributable to the Yaounde City Council. Better, Court slammed the City Council to pay the sum of 188.880.000fcfa.

In his reply brief, and more vehemently challenge the claims of the complainant because it produced no expert report on the evaluation of the site before its demolition, the public prosecutor considers that even if there has been abuse of the law by the City Council, the amount of 188.880.000fcfa, appears excessive. After two hours of deliberation and upon resumption of the hearing, the President of the Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court, Magistrate Clément Atangana delivered the final judgment. "The Court upheld the payment of damages to Mary Abeck Akwa at the sum of 188.880.000fcfa, as ordered by the Trial Chamber of the Supreme Administrative Court and directed that it be executed against the Yaounde City Council".

Mary Abeck Akwa, felt that the Younde City Council deserved a higher sentence, for the time being, feels relieved, excited, happy and sublimated to see the right and justice triumph over some of the abuses by caciques, dinosaurs and apparatchiks who believe themselves "above the law".      Public opinion in Yaounde holds that this conviction against the City Council will dampen the ardor of a government delegate whose actions, for the majority, are repressive and mercantilist instead of being brought to the socialization and moralization of the masses.

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Hon. Awudu Mbaya Reappointed

By Fai Cassian Ndi 
The Member of Parliament for Donga Mantung Centre, Hon. Awudu Mbaya Cyprian has been reappointed

Hon. Awudu

to head the North West Regional Committee for the follow-up of the physical and financial execution of Public Investments, from all sources of financing in the Region. The Regional Decision No 167/RD/E/GNW.45/GS/S.4/GS/ALAD signed by North West Governor Lele Lafrique Tchoffo Deben Adolph was made public in Bamenda on July 24, 2014 during the fourth quarterly meeting that took place at MINEPAT Hall.

According to the release, the Regional Follow-up is made up of the following permanent members:

·         Chairperson: Hon. Awudu Mbaya Cyprian

·         Vice: Madame Regina Mundi

·         Secretary: Regional Delegate of MINEPAT

Members: Representative of the Governor, Regional delegate of MINMAP, The Regional Chief of Control Brigade MINMAP, Regional Controller of Finance, President of the Regional Tender Board, the Regional head of the Public Contract Regulatory Agency, the President of Internal Tender Boards (MIDENO, UNVDA. UBa, BCC), Director General MIDENO, General Manager, UNVDA, Regional Delegate of MINEE, Regional Delegate of MINESEC, the Regional Delegate of MINEDUB, the Regional Delegate MINSANTE, the Regional Delegate MINEPDEP, the Regional Delegate MINFOF, the regional delegate MINPMEESA, the regional delegate MINTP, the Regional Coordinator PNDP, the Regional Head of FEICOM, the Director of Rural Development, Honourable Andrew Kwe (MP Oku), Hon. Mrs. Enih Mbah (MP Momo), Mr. Tosam Bernard Nenghabi (mayor Belo Council), Mrs. Caroline B Bongwa (mayor Bamenda I), Fon Fobuzie Martin (Representative of Traditional Rulers), Hon. Tasi Ntang Lucas (Representative Civil Society), Mr. Nji Charles (Coordinator CHAMECC).

The Committee headed by Hon. Awudu Mbaya shall have as main objective to promote a participatory approach in the management of Public Investment in order to obtain optimum realization of development programmes. It should be recalled that during last Follow-up meeting, the Committee headed by the Questor at the National Assembly observed with dissatisfaction the poor execution of the Bamenda –Mbengwi road among others. However, at the end of the meeting the Chairman of the Follow up Committee, Hon. Awudu Mbaya told journalists that he is satisfy with the general level of execution of Public Investment Budget in the region which stands at 38.27% physical and 10.87% financial. He however called on the voter holders, contracting officers and officials of the Ministry of Public Contracts to hasten the award of contracts in order for North West to emerge. He also frowned at the conflict of interest that has become a traffic jam to the execution of contracts. Hon. Awudu also made a clarion call to all beneficiaries to report any poorly or abandoned contract to the committee. Members also urged the central administration to forward the list of contracts in the region awarded to the regional delegations concern to enable them follow up its execution. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Kolofata Attack by Boko Haram: Unpaid Ransom is Prime Suspect

The recent attack by Boko Haram insurgents in the Northern Region has left Cameroonians wondering whether last Sunday’s incident was not a “matter of unpaid ransom and or failed promises”, writes Oumarou Moktar. The question unpaid balance as agreed with Boko Haram before the release of the Fournier family has become a major debate on the social media as too many unanswered questions continue to loom. Yet allegations abound that the Vice Prime Minister’s wife has been released after the bloody confrontation of yesterday. Notwithstanding, the piece of information has not been confirmed. Tweets on the social media say she was released but others say the information is faulty. Worthy to recall that following the abduction of French citizens by Boko Haram it is alleged that the later did not fulfill his financial engagements.

On Sunday, July 27 at about 4 am, the insurgents targeted the residence of the Vice Prime Minister and that of the Mayor who doubles as the Lamido of the area. It is aired that from the early morning to about 9 am, the city of Kolofata was besieged by insurgents. Yet, the reinforcement from Mora, where there is a military base and that of the Battalion of the Rapid Intervention-BIR was belated.

By the time the reinforcement came, Kolofata was ready counting its deaths. At the Vice Prime Minister’s residence, it is alleged two bodyguards, a driver, cooks, gardeners, nephews, nieces et cetera were shot to death. The insurgents who were conscious that the Vice Prime Mnister was at home to spend the feast of Ramadan became furious shooting almost everyone around.

When the observed that the Vice PM couldn’t be reached, they took for prisoner his wife, her sister and two other family relatives. On the side of the Mayor, the kidnapped the mayor-Lamido (Abba Seini), his wife, four of his children. It is alleged that at the Vice PM’s residence, about 40 people where present but only three of them were untouched. Of these three is the son of Amadou Ali, a student in Europe who travelled back to commune with his family. At the Lamido residence, one of his son and his nephew were not touched. Huge damages are also reported as it is alleged that the residence was set ablaze. Moreso, the insurgents carted away with three luxury cars. Public opinion on the social media is however critical about the issue. A school of thought holds that if the kidnappers of the wife of the Vice Prime Minister came to collect the balance of a previous ransom that was outstanding, then ransom payments to Boko Haram have finally opened a road for Cameroon to hell.

It should be recalled that last May 26, 2014 while addressing militants of the Social Democratic Front-SDF in Ndu and Nkambe, Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi wondered how money paid to Boko Haram in exchange for abducted French national found self in the hands of some government officials. Ni John Fru also revealed that only 10% of the money was paid out by the negotiators. He went further to explain that the “lazered” banknotes were tracked by French satellite inside the Presidency of the Republic. However, Cameroonians have expressed disgust over the recent attack at Kolofata. Communication Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary speaking on state television was categorical on the fact that Cameroon will win the war against Boko Haram insurgents. He urged all Cameroonians who could lay hands on any information in that respect to work in collaboration with the forces of law and order. He said President Biya is determined to protect everyone in Cameroon soil as well as their property. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Boko Haram Kidnaps Cameroon Vice PM’s Wife, Mayor, others

Members of the Islamic sect Boko Haram have attacked the residence of the Vice Prime Minister, Amadou Ali kidnapping his wife, his body guard, Lamido-Mayor of kolofata, children in the Far North Region of Cameroon.  

It is alleged that the insurgents attacked the Vice Prime Minister’s residence at about 4am, Sunday morning July 27, 2014. There was violent exchange of gunfire between Boko Haram insurgents and elements of the Rapid intervention Battalion (BIR). The villagers who were preparing for the Muslim feast got up for early morning prayers to the sounds of heavy artilleries and gun firing. Allegedly, the insurgents who are said to be heavily armed infiltrated Kolofata, the hometown of Cameroon's Vice Prime minister, Amadou Ali, who was expected home to celebrate the Muslim feast of Ramadan with his family. It is not clear how the vice prime minister himself survived the attack, as it is likely he was the original target .16 people are alleged to have been killed in the attack, including 11 members of Amadou Ali's family, 2 from the mayor's family, 2 Gendarme officers and one BIR; and in a swift response, security officials have whisked the deputy prime minister away to Mora for safety. Amadou Ali's wife and body guard were kidnapped during the exchange at their residence in Kokofata including the village’s traditional ruler (lamido) who doubles as Mayor including his wife, four children and his niece. Sources say another bodyguard was seriously wounded during the bloody attack. .Kolofata, it should be noted is a small locality situated in the Mayo-Sava division of the far north region in Cameroon. Last week, a local newspaper L’eoil du Sahel reported that over 500 youths were recruited by Boko Haram in the Mayo-Sava Division, yet it came to past that Mayo-Sava is again in the news. It is alleged the residence of the Vice Prime Minister was set on fire and while

Colonel Felix Nji Formekong, the second commander of Cameroon's third inter-army military region, based in the regional headquarters Maroua, is quoted to have said that: "The situation is very critical here now and as I am talking to you the Boko Haram elements are still in Kolofata town in a clash with our soldiers. Some of them have already taken away the wife of Vice Prime Minister Amadou Ali and her house help while the bodyguards of the Vice Prime Minister have succeeded in taking him out of the town to Mora,” Formekong said, adding that there could be more casualties”. The residence of Amadou Ali, according to what we gathered was set on fire yet the number of people who lost their lives is still to be confirmed. Cameroon’s minister of Communication Issa Tchiroma Bakary speaking on the state media launched a clarion cal on the population of the Northern region to collaborate with military officers. He said Muslims in Cameroon are very tolerant. “We have no other option than to win the war against Boko Haram” as declared by the head of state, Issa Tchiroma Bakary added. Tchiroma emphasized on Cameroonians who could lay hands on any information about Boko Haram to work with the forces of law and order.

It is alleged that at least four soldiers were killed in the previous attacks. The abductions come barely two days after some 22 suspected Boko Haram militants, who have been held in Maroua since March, were on Friday sentenced to prison sentences ranging from 10 to 20. In a related story, reports also say the locality of Amchidé in the same region was under heavy attack as well.  In recent weeks as Cameroon has deployed troops to the border region, joining international efforts to combat the militants and has suffered an increase in terrorist attacks as a result. This morning's attack is the third Boko Haram act of violence in Cameroon since Friday.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Is This Love? 9 Years Old Schoolboy Marries 62 Year Woman

Nine years old schoolboy Saneie Masilela has become the world's youngest groom after marrying 62-year-old South African Helen Shabangu at a formal ceremony witnessed by her children and grandchildren.

 Dressed in a silvery tuxedo, baby-faced Saneie clutched the hand of mother-of-five Helen Shabangu, as they repeated their vows a year on in front of 100 guests at their wedding. At the ceremony, which took place at Ximhungwe village in Mpumalanga, South Africa, was witnessed by the brides' children who are aged between 28 and 38.

 Saneie said he held the ceremony to make the marriage, which he entered into last year official but other villagers described it as sickening. Among the guests at the ceremony were Helen's long-term husband Alfred Shabangu, 66.

 Mr Shabangu said: "My kids and I are happy because we don't have a problem with her marrying the boy. I don’t care what other people say.”

 Both families claim the wedding is simply another ritual after Saneie was told by his dead ancestors to marry last year and his parents forked out £500 for the bride and another £1,000 for the ceremony. However the schoolboy wanted to follow South African tradition and insisted they have the second ceremony this week to make their marriage official.

 Saneie, the young groom said he still hoped he would have a proper wedding to a woman his own age when he was older. He added: “I told my mother that I wanted to get married because I really did want to.

 "I'm happy that I married Helen but I will go to school and study hard. When I’m older I will marry a lady my own age."

 Recycling worker  Helen, said: “I’m very happy that the boy chose me and my family support and understand that it is part of making ancestors happy."

- See more at: http://www.nigerianwatch.com/news/4845-kenyan-boy-saneie-masilela-9-marries-south-african-bride-helen-shabangu-62#sthash.g7EleyMf.vniiap54.dpuf

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)