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.
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
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
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?
> 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)
> 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)?
> - 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
> 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?
> 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
>
> - 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?
> 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.
> 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?
> - 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
> 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.
> "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
> 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 ;-)
> 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
> 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?
> 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.
> 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.
> - 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
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.> around people all the time to ensure safety?
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
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