Teachers in Cameroon are concerned that the new language frananglais - a mixture of French, English and Creole - is affecting the way students speak and write the country's two official languages. Read more . . .
Wonder in 50 years if the United States will adopt Spanglish as its official language? :-)
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
Cameroon: Pro-Independence Group Silenced
About 20 members of an Anglophone pro-independence group in Cameroon have been jailed for the past month without charge, reflecting what their lawyers say is the latest effort to silence government critics without providing due process. Read more . . .
Background information:
The League of Nations in 1922 divided Cameroon into two zones, one administered by France and the other by the United Kingdom. The French side won independence in 1960 but the Anglophone side had to choose between being absorbed into Nigeria or into the new French-speaking Cameroon. Northern Cameroon chose Nigeria while Southern Cameroon joined French-speaking Cameroon in 1961.
Little by little, the autonomy of Southern Cameroon eroded until it its dissolution in 1972 with the formation of a centralized state. As time passed, Anglophone Cameroonians felt increasingly marginalized, according to human rights groups.
Background information:
The League of Nations in 1922 divided Cameroon into two zones, one administered by France and the other by the United Kingdom. The French side won independence in 1960 but the Anglophone side had to choose between being absorbed into Nigeria or into the new French-speaking Cameroon. Northern Cameroon chose Nigeria while Southern Cameroon joined French-speaking Cameroon in 1961.
Little by little, the autonomy of Southern Cameroon eroded until it its dissolution in 1972 with the formation of a centralized state. As time passed, Anglophone Cameroonians felt increasingly marginalized, according to human rights groups.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Weighing my options: CAMBCITEC (3)
Here is an email from CAMBCITEC. I've REALLY got to make a decision!
Hello BeLinda,
Greetings from CITEC and Cameroon. Both students and staff are waiting for your arrival in July. we also intend to organize IT sensitization classes for High School students during the summer holidays.But your presentations are aimed at a more mature group of participants,
What about our twining project?. Have you had any feedback from any interested school.organization?
Regards
Professor XXX
Hello BeLinda,
Greetings from CITEC and Cameroon. Both students and staff are waiting for your arrival in July. we also intend to organize IT sensitization classes for High School students during the summer holidays.But your presentations are aimed at a more mature group of participants,
What about our twining project?. Have you had any feedback from any interested school.organization?
Regards
Professor XXX
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Weighing my options: BERUDEP(4)
The folks at BERUDEP sent some photos taken while another US volunteer was there. Seems like they heard me say I have to make a decision :-) ENJOY . . .
Friday, February 16, 2007
I've been away, but productive
Haven't posted in a few days, but I've still been busy working on this project.
A couple of days ago I had a meeting with a Dolby colleague who manages video/audio production. He allowed me to ask him questions about the type of video equipment I should rent/purchase. He provided great information that will help me narrow further research and make some initial decisions. In a later post I'll elaborate on the specs about the equipment.
I'm going to have to buy a camera. I think it would be too expensive to rent a camera while I'm in Cameroon. I might be able to delay purchase by renting while I'm still in San Francisco. Then again the time saved and convenience of a owning a camera might outweigh financial considerations. More research is needed. Stay tuned.
I'm still behind on getting my Visa forms submitted. Originally I was supposed to submit it by Feb. 1, then Feb. 15, now I'll aim for March 1. Wish me luck!!!
I had a follow-up from BERUDEP. They have some ideas about some projects. I need to make a decision. I can't volunteer for all the groups I contacted. I think it is only fair that I decide now so I can focus on the organization and nurture a relationship.
So I'll make a decision by next weekend. I wish I had a lot of readers. I would take a poll. But as usual, I'll make the decision myself :-)
Another thing I need to make happen---start shooting the video. I guess I'd better make a decision about a camera. Next weekend perhaps? The sooner the better.
A couple of days ago I had a meeting with a Dolby colleague who manages video/audio production. He allowed me to ask him questions about the type of video equipment I should rent/purchase. He provided great information that will help me narrow further research and make some initial decisions. In a later post I'll elaborate on the specs about the equipment.
I'm going to have to buy a camera. I think it would be too expensive to rent a camera while I'm in Cameroon. I might be able to delay purchase by renting while I'm still in San Francisco. Then again the time saved and convenience of a owning a camera might outweigh financial considerations. More research is needed. Stay tuned.
I'm still behind on getting my Visa forms submitted. Originally I was supposed to submit it by Feb. 1, then Feb. 15, now I'll aim for March 1. Wish me luck!!!
I had a follow-up from BERUDEP. They have some ideas about some projects. I need to make a decision. I can't volunteer for all the groups I contacted. I think it is only fair that I decide now so I can focus on the organization and nurture a relationship.
So I'll make a decision by next weekend. I wish I had a lot of readers. I would take a poll. But as usual, I'll make the decision myself :-)
Another thing I need to make happen---start shooting the video. I guess I'd better make a decision about a camera. Next weekend perhaps? The sooner the better.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Weighing my options: BERUDEP(3)
FINALLY heard back from BERUDEP. There was a reasonable explanation!
Check out the responses to my questions about culture. Very interesting . . .
Dear Belinda,
Thank you so much for getting back to me and talking about
our program here to your Pastor friend. I'm sorry I didnt get back to you in time ,I had serious problems with my yahoo acoount which was sending out viruses to all the email addresses in my email list.
I just managed to change to gmail.
Thank you once more for your effort in trying to link us up with Church groups as possible as you can.
Yeah there will be some one to pick you up from Yaounde to Belo.
Writing Project.
The first few days you will be given some orientation and introduction to all aspects of our programs.
Then you will spend just a few (2-3)hours in the office. You will have to spend most your day in the field i.e in the rural communities with which we work. Interviewing groups and individual about our projects and returning to the office to do a write up on a computer.
Is it possible for you to come with your laptop??? if you can find friends or relatives who can donate some office stationaries and old laptops then our organization will greatly appreciate it.
Sightseeing.
You shall be able to see as much as your time permits.
We give no restrictions but we seat down and negotiate and give guides to our volunteers.
Internet Connection.
Yeah there is internet connection in Belo and it is approximately 1 dollar an hour.
Documentary.
In some parts of Cameroon people find filming them uncomfortable.Yeah BERUDEP staff will be ok with you filming.
We shall also help you out in areas where people are hostile to a stranger filming them.
Dressing.
Crossing legs by younger people is seriously considered a very bad and rude behaviour. You can put on your jeans provided is long enough not to expose those parts which people consider private.
Funding Source.
Please have a look at our website .
Most of our funding comes from Private individuals and former volunteers.
Re; Are you associated with any organizations that the US might deem "questionable"?
NO NO NO NO NON NO NO
Cameroon is quite safe. In fact is one of the safest countries to travel in the world.
Political
No political concerns.
Weather.
July is at the middle of Rainy season.
Expect sunny mornings, and steady rainy afternoons.
Gender,
You shall be quite safe as you will always be working with people. The community people are very welcoming and protective of strangers.
White ladies can sometimes attract the attention of young men who will be making some ssssip sound. But in any case they are not harmful.
You can find out from any of our former volunteers. Will you like any contact of our former female volunteer.
Belinda keep all your questions and concerns coming.
While waiting to hear from you my regards and God's blessings through Christ Jesus.
GM
P.S: Sorry for not getting back to you in time. It wouldn't repeat
itself again.
Check out the responses to my questions about culture. Very interesting . . .
Dear Belinda,
Thank you so much for getting back to me and talking about
our program here to your Pastor friend. I'm sorry I didnt get back to you in time ,I had serious problems with my yahoo acoount which was sending out viruses to all the email addresses in my email list.
I just managed to change to gmail.
Thank you once more for your effort in trying to link us up with Church groups as possible as you can.
Yeah there will be some one to pick you up from Yaounde to Belo.
Writing Project.
The first few days you will be given some orientation and introduction to all aspects of our programs.
Then you will spend just a few (2-3)hours in the office. You will have to spend most your day in the field i.e in the rural communities with which we work. Interviewing groups and individual about our projects and returning to the office to do a write up on a computer.
Is it possible for you to come with your laptop??? if you can find friends or relatives who can donate some office stationaries and old laptops then our organization will greatly appreciate it.
Sightseeing.
You shall be able to see as much as your time permits.
We give no restrictions but we seat down and negotiate and give guides to our volunteers.
Internet Connection.
Yeah there is internet connection in Belo and it is approximately 1 dollar an hour.
Documentary.
In some parts of Cameroon people find filming them uncomfortable.Yeah BERUDEP staff will be ok with you filming.
We shall also help you out in areas where people are hostile to a stranger filming them.
Dressing.
Crossing legs by younger people is seriously considered a very bad and rude behaviour. You can put on your jeans provided is long enough not to expose those parts which people consider private.
Funding Source.
Please have a look at our website .
Most of our funding comes from Private individuals and former volunteers.
Re; Are you associated with any organizations that the US might deem "questionable"?
NO NO NO NO NON NO NO
Cameroon is quite safe. In fact is one of the safest countries to travel in the world.
Political
No political concerns.
Weather.
July is at the middle of Rainy season.
Expect sunny mornings, and steady rainy afternoons.
Gender,
You shall be quite safe as you will always be working with people. The community people are very welcoming and protective of strangers.
White ladies can sometimes attract the attention of young men who will be making some ssssip sound. But in any case they are not harmful.
You can find out from any of our former volunteers. Will you like any contact of our former female volunteer.
Belinda keep all your questions and concerns coming.
While waiting to hear from you my regards and God's blessings through Christ Jesus.
GM
P.S: Sorry for not getting back to you in time. It wouldn't repeat
itself again.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Weighing my options: CAMBCITEC (2)
My response to CAMBCITEC:
Greetings Professor XXXX,
My brother won't be able to join me on this trip this year. Unfortunately, his schedule won't permit it this year. He extends his profound regrets. I think what you're proposing is a great idea. I am forwarding your idea to several people and I am awaiting responses---most notably San Francisco State. I'm also exploring possibilities with other schools and tech companies.
I will keep you posted.
BeLinda Nichols
Greetings Professor XXXX,
My brother won't be able to join me on this trip this year. Unfortunately, his schedule won't permit it this year. He extends his profound regrets. I think what you're proposing is a great idea. I am forwarding your idea to several people and I am awaiting responses---most notably San Francisco State. I'm also exploring possibilities with other schools and tech companies.
I will keep you posted.
BeLinda Nichols
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Another item for my "to do" list . . .
Cameroon has two official languages, French and English. I think I've got a good grasp of English, so I'd better pick up a little conversational French.
It's foolish to think I could learn the French language in less than six months. But I could learn some key phrases such as "Where can I go to get some food?" or "Where's the bathroom?" Not glamorous conversation, but nevertheless important!!!
It's foolish to think I could learn the French language in less than six months. But I could learn some key phrases such as "Where can I go to get some food?" or "Where's the bathroom?" Not glamorous conversation, but nevertheless important!!!
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Weighing my options: CAMBCITEC
Before I got a chance to send my questions to CAMBCITEC,the director sent to me the email below. After reading it, you'll see I have two organizations asking me to make a commitment to a work assignment. I was hoping not to be at this stage of the game so soon. I wanted more time to explore other opportunities without having to stall. I guess I could always opt to be direct and state I'm exploring other organizations before making a decision. Then again, perhaps weighing options at a leisurely pace is unfair to these organizations. They have important work and they probably need to lock up their resources quickly to fill in gaps that are desperately needed.
(By the way, I mentioned I would ask my brother, a hardware engineer, to consider accompanying me. CAMBCITEC seems to assume my brother is confirmed to come. I need to let them know he won't be joining me.)
Decisions, decisions . . . . .
Dear BeLinda,
I am preparing the seminar documents for when you and your brother will be here in the summer. I will send the draft to you when it is finished so that you react and we finalise it but I think it should not be long since you are definitely going to have other things to do. A one-day seminar should be OK, one person presenting and holding workshops in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
BeLinda , I am also interested in a twining arrangement between CITEC and a school / Organisation in IT in San Francisco or other State. Would be grateful if you can link me up.
The arrangement can begin by us inviting those American colleagues for them to come and see what we are doing
Definitely your coming will be the begining of that link
BACK TO YOUR COMING
I propose that generally the seminar should center on three main issues:
1 Software applications in Education, Research, Business and Finances
2 The writing of computer technical documents
3 Guidlines for the purchase of hardware for different uses
Discuss with your brother and tell me. If we agree you will then begin to work out the details.
Please give me your phone number(s) so that I can call you.
Mine are +237 XXX XX XX
+ 237 XXX XX XX
I do not know how many hours we are ahead of you but I know that my children in XX are 7 hours ahead of us here in Cameroon.
Director of CITEC
(By the way, I mentioned I would ask my brother, a hardware engineer, to consider accompanying me. CAMBCITEC seems to assume my brother is confirmed to come. I need to let them know he won't be joining me.)
Decisions, decisions . . . . .
Dear BeLinda,
I am preparing the seminar documents for when you and your brother will be here in the summer. I will send the draft to you when it is finished so that you react and we finalise it but I think it should not be long since you are definitely going to have other things to do. A one-day seminar should be OK, one person presenting and holding workshops in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
BeLinda , I am also interested in a twining arrangement between CITEC and a school / Organisation in IT in San Francisco or other State. Would be grateful if you can link me up.
The arrangement can begin by us inviting those American colleagues for them to come and see what we are doing
Definitely your coming will be the begining of that link
BACK TO YOUR COMING
I propose that generally the seminar should center on three main issues:
1 Software applications in Education, Research, Business and Finances
2 The writing of computer technical documents
3 Guidlines for the purchase of hardware for different uses
Discuss with your brother and tell me. If we agree you will then begin to work out the details.
Please give me your phone number(s) so that I can call you.
Mine are +237 XXX XX XX
+ 237 XXX XX XX
I do not know how many hours we are ahead of you but I know that my children in XX are 7 hours ahead of us here in Cameroon.
Director of CITEC
Friday, February 2, 2007
Chinese influence in Cameroon....
Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged nearly $100 million in grants and soft loans to Cameroon on Wednesday as he kicked off his latest tour of Africa, a growing supplier of oil and raw materials for his country. Read more . . .
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Weighing my options: HINT(3)
I'm really feeling GOOD about HINT. They are responding in a way that makes me feel extremely comfortable with them. They sent a spreadsheet that breaks down my cost while I'm there. It is very useful information.
I'm tempted to select HINT already, but it makes sense to examine the others. So that will be my next task.
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