Oh well . . .

Still no word from BERUDEP.

I've been a little under the weather the last few days, so I haven't sent my questions to REPERID and CITEC. I'll get on that within the next 48 hours.

I'm also behind in my personal deadline of Feb. 1 to submit the paperwork for my Visa. I'll revise my target date to Feb.16.

AG and I need to discuss target dates to start shooting the documentary.

Time to get busy . . .

China expresses strong economic interest in Africa

Chinese President Hu Jintao has arrived in Cameroon on the first stage of an eight-nation Africa tour to forge political and economic ties with the continent. Read more. . .

Weighing my options: HINT(2)

I heard from HINT this morning. TG responded to my questions. I'm beginning to get a good feeling about this organization. So far it's the only one that I've found volunteer (favorable) descriptions and information on TG and his ministry. I haven't noted anything that tinges my "spidey senses". Seems like great people and a great organization. I think it would be great if I affiliated with them. And if for some reason I choose another organization, I'll make myself available to volunteer to write proposal for them offsite.

I will send the questions to the other remaining groups today and wait for their responses. And surprisingly still no word from BEDUREP. At the beginning of this exercise, it was the organization I most thought would be the best. But it is still too early to judge I suppose.

Here's the HINT response:

Hi Belinda,

I will try to answer your questions as best as I can. See below for
answers in CAPS. Your questions are OK and not insulting in any way.

Quoting BeLinda <xxx@gmail.com>:

> TG, I hope this email finds you well and happy! I have quite a few
> questions to ask about my volunteering with your organization. Some of my
> questions are pretty direct, so let me say in advance I don't mean to be
> insulting in ANY WAY. I feel you're an honorable man. . It's just that this is a
> big venture for me and I need to understand every aspect. Take care. I hope
> to hear from you soon. God bless you, your family, and your
> work.----BeLinda.
>
>
> - I just want to confirm that you can have someone to meet me at the
> Yaounde airport and accompany me to Buea. Will this require a fee? If so,
> how much (in American dollars)? Please give me a breakdown of all possible
> expenses?

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LAND IN YAOUNDE AND NOT DOUALA.? DOUALA IS ONLY 1
HOUR DRIVE FROM BUEA. IF YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR FINAL DESTINATION THAT
WILL BE FINE AND WILL COST MUCH LESS. IF AFTER ALL YOU CANNOT CHANGE
FINAL DESTINATION THEN WE WILL MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO PICK YOU UP FROM
YAOUNDE. BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT, IT WILL COST ABOUT $20 AND IF WE ARE
HIRING A CAR, IT WILL COST ABOUT $80 TO GET TO BUEA. WHEN IS YOUR
ARRIVAL TIME? I WILL LET YOU HAVE A MORE DETAILED COST BREAKDOWN SOON.
>
> - What types of writing projects will I possibly be assigned? Will I

> be working in an office?

YOUR TIME WITH US IS QUITE SHORT EVEN THOUGH I KNOW YOU WILL BE ABLE
TO DO SOMETHING FOR US. I THINK IT WILL RATHER BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR
US TO SEE HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE. 2 WEEKS IS REALLY
SHORT TIME. I WAS GOING TO SUGGEST THAT SINCE YOUR TIME WITH US IS
SHORT, WE CAN ALREADY START TO WORK ONLINE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE. WE NEED
PROPOSALS FOR A NUMBER OF PROJECTS INCLUDING: SETTING UP A NURSERY &
PRIMARY SCHOOL, SHIPPING AND DISTRIBUTING COMPUTERS TO SCHOOLS,
SETTING UP A SCHOOL COMMUNITY LIBRARY, SETTING UP A HEALTH CENTRE, ...
OF ALL THESE I THINK WE CAN WORK ON A PROPOSAL FOR THE NURSERY AND
PRIMARY SCHOOL. OUR OFFICE IS EQUIPPED WITH COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET.
YOU WILL HAVE A COMPUTER OF YOUR OWN AND ONLY MAKE A FREE WILL
DONATION TO HELP TOWARDS INTERNET COST.
>
> - How will I be able to see other parts of Cameroon? And what parts

> will I be able to see? For example will the sightseeing be restricted to
> Buea and the immediate surrounding areas?

> WE WILL HAVE TO HIRE A CAR FOR USE WHEN VISITING SOME SITE. HOPELY
> WE WILL VISIT THE LIMBE BOTANIC GARDEN, BAKINGGILI MAGMA MOUNT, AND
> POSSIBLY KORUP NATIONAL PART (OUT OF BUEA BUT STILL WITHIN SOUTH
> WEST PROVINCE)

>
> - Is Internet access easily available? I'd like to use Skype to
> contact friends and family. What's the cost of Internet connection (in
> American dollars)?

> YOU WILL USE INTERNET IN OUT OFFICE AND DONATE FREELY. THAT MEANS
> YOU ARE FREE TO USE AND NOT DONATE.
>
> - I'm planning to do a video documentary about my trip and

> experiences. I plan to submit to film festivals and media outlets
> in the US.
> If accepted by them, the exposure will be great for your cause. Will people
> find it uncomfortable being filmed? Will you and the staff at HINT be
> willing to be interviewed for the documentary?

> THAT WILL BE GREAT AND I AM SURE MANY WILL LIKE TO BE FILMED.
>
> - Are there any cultural difference I should be aware of as an

> American and as a woman? For example, will there be any objections
> if I wear
> pants or blue jeans? I read that Cameroonians consider pointing
> and crossing
> legs when sitting as an insult. Is this true?

> YES SOME OF THESE CUSTOMS ARE STILL IN EFFECT IN THE REMOTE VILLAGES
> BUT IN THE TOWN WHERE WE ARE YOU HARDLY HEAR OF SUCH THINGS. CASUAL
> DRESSING IS OK.

>
> - Where do you principally obtain your funding? Charitable
> organizations? Governmental organizations? Private donations?

> OUR WORK SO FAR HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY PRIVATE VOLUNTARY SPONTANEOUS
> DONATIONS. IT HAS NOT BEEN VERY EASY GETTING ON WITH THE VERY MEAGRE
> RESOURCES WE HAVE BUT SOME HOW WE HAVE KEPT PROGRESSING. HOPEFULLY,
> WHEN WE HAVE CONCRETE PROPOSALS WE WILL THEN BE ABLE TO APPROACH
> MAJOR DONORS FOR SUPPORT WITH PEOPLE LIKE YOU STANDING BY US AND
> CONNECTING US WITH POTENTIAL DONORS.
>
> - The United States is in a state of paranoia since the 9/11 terrorist

> attacks. Are you associated with any organizations that the US might deem
> "questionable"? I hate to ask this question and don't mean to insult you in
> ANY way. But we live in crazy times here in the US and I wouldn't want this
> trip to haunt me because of some ridiculous Homeland Security misperception
> of your funders.

> WE DO NOT HAVE ANY LINKS WITH ANY TERRORIST-TYPE ORGANISATION EITHER
> HERE AT HOME OR ABROAD. SO YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE ANY FEARS.
>
> - Is there anything I need to know about the political climate in your

> area of Cameroon in general so I won't make any diplomatic mistakes? I want
> everyone to like me ;-)

> POLITICALLY CAMEROON IS A VERY CALM COUNTRY IN AFRICA. THERE IS
> NOTHING TO BE WORRIED ABOUT. WE HAVE MULTI-PARTY POLITICS AND ANYONE
> OS FREE TO BE A PART OF ANY POLITICAL PARTY.
>
> - I know July is in the middle of rainy season. Are we talking about

> torrential downpours or just constant steady streams of rain? Can I expect
> to see ANY sunny days?

> THE RAINS GET REALLY HEAVY IN AUGUST WHERE WE SOMETIMES CAN HAVE
> RAINS (JUST STEADY STREAMS) FOR ABOUT A WEEK CONTINUOUSLY. IT WILL
> BE GOOD TO GET TO BOOTS AND RAIN COATS. YOU CAN GET THEM HERE.

>
> - Can you point me to a source that discusses the vegetation in the
> area? Sometimes I suffer from plant and mold allergies. I want to make sure
> if I should bring allergy medication.

YES MOLD IS COMMON IN THE RAINY SEASON ESPECIALLY IS DRESSES HAVE
NOT BEEN WASHED FOR OVER A PERIOD. SOME MOLD ALLERGIES WOULD BE FINE.

> - As a woman traveling alone so far away from home, are there any

> special precautions I should take to ensure my personal safety? Will I be
> around people all the time to ensure safety?

SURE YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE PEOPLE TO GUIDE YOU AROUND WHEREVER YOU GO.
WE TAKE SECURITY OF OUR VOLUNTEERS VERY SERIOUSLY. MANY PEOPLE WILL
WANT TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOU WITH THE HOPE OF GETTING SOMETHING
FINANCIAL OR MATERIAL FROM YOU BUT YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO
ACCEPT EVERY INVITATION OR MAKE UNECESSRY FRIENDS.

HOPE THIS HELPS BELINDA. LET ME KNOW IF YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS.
OTHERWISE I WILL LIKE US TO ALREADY START THINKING ABOUT PUTTING
TOGETHER A PROPOSAL FOR THE NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL PROJECT. WHEN
WE ARE DONE, WE CAN PROCEED TO LOOK FOR FUNDING EVEN BEFORE YOU COME
OVER.

TG

I guess I'd better take my shots seriously . . .

Major malaria carrier identified in Cameroon
A new study has pinpointed the mosquito species responsible for most malaria cases in southwestern Cameroon — an area where little is known about the transmission of the disease.

Weighing my options: HINT

I sent the same set of questions to HINT. I did receive a response within a couple of hours, but it seemed to be a response from my online application on their website. Not sure if the timing of the online application response was coincidental, or the contact responded to my set of email questions with the online application response. So I'll just wait a few days to see if anyone responds directly to the questions.

Interestingly enough, I was able to find some information about HINT via Google searches. I found a couple of online blogs from volunteers. Some posts seem as recent as last week. (here and here)
They are perhaps still there. It seems the HINT contact (TG) is an highly educated minister, with an influential ministry in Buea. The blog postings were very helpful. The volunteers showed pictures of the people. They seem extremely nice and hospitable. I saw pictures of TG's family. Very sweet and adorable. The volunteers never indicated an awful experience.

I hope HINT responds to my questions. It's important in my decision making process that the groups answer the questions. Even though they might find it annoying or insulting, a organization should be prepared to answer the hard/direct questions--if just to share the pride they have in what they do and to show the world (volunteers) you have nothing to fear by coming here. (And yes, I know there are no guarantees to anything, regardless of how much effort goes into providing safety and a great experience!)

BERUDEP and REPERID are my first choices because they are in the northwest province--where the Tikar people originate. I'd be closer to my 'roots'. HINT is located in the southwest province. But I suppose fate ultimately determines where I land. In fact, who knows? It might be an organization not on my original list. I should perhaps do more research and seek out other Cameroonian development organizations, if they exist.

Weighing my options: BERUDEP (2)

I haven't heard back from my contact (GM) at BERUDEP. I'm surprised. He usually responds very quickly. Being a sensitive person, my first inclination is to suspect the slower response stems from GM feeling insulted by the directness of my questions. (Although I think they are perfectly fair questions.) I always want to be 'nice' and not insult or hurt anyone's feelings. So it's easy for me to feel this way. Another part of me--the suspicious cynical part --thinks maybe I hit a nerve by asking so many questions. Suppose BERUDEP is some nefarious undertaking that is using community development as a cover.

However, my intellect says he runs a large organization and has many responsibilities. I posed several questions to him. He probably hasn't had time to respond. I will roll with my intellect and give GM a few days to respond before assuming the worst. In the meantime, I'll pose the same questions to the next organization on my list.

Side note--GM asked about the possibility of African American churches volunteering. I have a friend (DP) who's a minister. I asked him to make some inquires within his denomination. He agreed and has done so. He's just waiting for responses. It would be great if a church would be interested. Let's just hope I hear from BERUDEP again :-)

Weighing my options: BERUDEP

Here are the initial questions I submitted to BEDERUP. I hope Cameroonians don't have a problem with directness :-)

• I just want to confirm that you can have someone to meet me at the Yaounde airport and accompany me to Belo. Will this require a fee? If so, how much (in American dollars)?

• What types of writing projects will I possibly be assigned? Will I be working in an office?

• How will I be able to see other parts of Cameroon? And what parts will I be able to see? For example will the sightseeing be restricted to Belo and the immediate surrounding areas?

• Is Internet access easily available? I'd like to use Skype to contact friends and family. What's the cost of Internet connection (in American dollars)?

• I'm planning to do a video documentary about my trip and experiences. Will people find it uncomfortable being filmed? Will you and the staff at Berudep be willing to be interviewed for the documentary?

• Are there any cultural difference I should be aware of as an American and as a woman? For example, will there be any objections if I wear pants or blue jeans? I read that Cameroonians consider pointing and crossing legs when sitting as an insult. Is this true?

• Where do you principally obtain your funding? Charitable organizations? Governmental organizations? Private donations?

• Is there anything I need to know about the political climate in the northwest province or Cameroon in general so I won't make any diplomatic mistakes? I want everyone to like me ;-)
• Your site is quite thorough about what to bring and wear. I know July is in the middle of rainy season. Are we talking about torrential downpours or just constant steady streams of rain? Can I expect to see any sunny days?
• Can you point me to a source that discusses the vegetation in the area? Sometimes I suffer from plant and mold allergies. I want to make sure if I should bring allergy medication.
• As a woman traveling alone so far away from home, are there any special precautions I should take to ensure my personal safety? Will I be around people all the time to ensure safety?

Stay tuned for the responses . . .

Weighing my options

I made inquiries on idealist.org to find community development organizations in Cameroon. I was pleasantly surprised to receive prompt responses from many of them. So far I have narrowed my options to the following organizations:

REPERID
Kumbo, Cameroon, Northwest province

BERUDEP
Belo, Cameroon, Northwest province

HINT
Buea, Cameron, Southwest province

CITEC
Yaounde, Cameroon, Central province

I've created a table that contains these organizations and lists the pros and cons of each. In addition I'm going to research the source of funding of each organization. This is probably the best way to gauge whether the organization REALLY represents ideals I feel comfortable promoting.

Stay tuned. . .

So much to do!!

I have lots to do to get ready for this trip!

• Get a Visa. Cameroon requires a Visa, in addition to your passport, for entry into the country. I'm setting a goal to have the documentation mailed off by Feb.1.
• Select a community organization. While in Cameroon, I want to volunteer my time with an organization that uplifts and empower to those in need. A volunteer opportunity can also provide comfort and companionship.
  
• Purchase supplies and gifts. Over the next six months I'll be buying the proper attire and supplies for the trip. I can be more specific in what I purchase after I determine where I volunteer. Community organizations typically request volunteers to bring gifts that will help the people they serve, such as books, pens/pencils. computers, and so on. As with the supplies, I'll have a better idea of what gifts to get after I determine where I volunteer.
• Get in better physical shape. Signed up for a gym membership today. I hate gyms, but I want to build up my physical endurance and strength. You never know when you might be faced with a physical challenge.
• Produce the documentary. Aaron, my co-producer, and I are formulating our production plan and evaluating our resources.

I'll elaborate on all the items in my checklist in separate threads.

**Utilizing Film Arts Foundation**

AG, until we can buy our own camera, I suggest we avail ourselves of their equipment. If their policy hasn't changed, you have to go to a class to learn how to operate the cameras. I believe it's one night, maybe two. Then we can put our names on their schedule to check out the camera and accompanying equipment such as sound mics, etc.

I believe we can initially use their editing facilities too until we get our own software and dedicated computer. We can also use editing facilities are Bay Area Video Coalition. However, I need to reacquaint myself with their editing equipment access policies.

When you have time, investigate whether there are other options. I'll do the same.