INITIATIVES THAT MATTER: BAMENDA Footballers Abroad Donate to Orphanage

By Bakah Derick
Blogger@hilltopvoices

CAFA hands gifts to MISSPA officials

Under the association; Charity by Abakwa Footballers Abroad (CAFA), footballers from Bamenda currently playing football abroad Friday June 5, 2015 paid a visit to MISSPA; a philanthropic organization with the objective to fight against poverty in Cameroon with special attention to Orphans and vulnerable Children (OVC) based in Mile 5 Nkwen.

CAFA hands gifts to MISSPA Officials

Arrival and Reception

CAFA arrives MISSPA

 Lead by Emma Mimba a player with SC Vianese in Portugal and Fai Collins of Dinamo Bucharesti in Romania, the delegation left the Bamenda municipal stadium during the late hours of Friday morning for the Mile 5 Nkwen based orphanage carrying food items, cloths and toiletries. On Arrival the delegation was received by Mr Joseph Fongang Latala, Secretary of MISSPA. He then lead the delegation in a guided tour around the Orphanage beginning from the football field and ending in the conference where a few speeches were made and gifts handed to the orphans. 

In the Conference Hall

CAFA transports gifts into MISSPA

Being a faith based institution; the brief ceremony in the hall took off with prayers by the children. Following was an introductory session first by the MISSPA officials then the visitors CAFA. 

CAFA at MISSPA football field

In a welcome address the secretary of MISSPA Mr Joseph Fongang explained that the Orphanage Centre was founded in February 2005 by Pastor Manuel Rengifo Perez and Mrs Maria Patrocinio Reina Valle two missionaries from Spain. “Since creation, this association has been working in close collaboration with the Nkwen community and the Cameroon government through the ministry Social affairs, as well as those of Basic and secondary Education.” He said.
He however noted that globally the achievements in the past ten years can be seen as satisfactory. My Fongang mentioned the building hosting activities of the orphanage like the dormitories, classrooms, offices, infirmary farms and workshops which caters for the lodging, feeding, education, health and medical needs of the children free of charge.

CAFA walking for MISSPA Orphans

On the education of MISSPA Nkwen orphans, the secretary detailed that since the creation of the nursery, primary and secondary schools in MISSPA results have been improving ranging from 54 to 100 percent. “for the ongoing 2015 examinations session, 11 children are facing the First School Leaving Certificate and Common Entrance, 25 for the GCE O/L and 5 for the GCE A/L”

Emma Mimba-CAFA

Fai Collins-CAFA

Bong Bertrand -CAFA

The supply of portable water, new beds and mattresses, sports equipment, physical education and sports infrastructures, clothing and school uniforms, modern toilets, books for Library, medical treatment of children according to Mr Fongang are the crucial and urgent needs of the MISSPA Orphanage. While thanking CAFA he immediately launched an appeal for help in the above mentioned areas. 

MISSPA SG Welcomes CAFA

While corroborating the Secretary, the Matron Mrs Musa Bih Celina described the action of CAFA members as “Christian action.” She further encouraged them to be God fearing and continue in their love for the needy. 

Emma Mimba for CAFA Addressing MISSPA

In reaction, Emma Mimba on behalf of CAFA appreciated the reception given the delegation. He explained that their coming is to assure the orphans that someone cares. Corroborated by Fai Collins and Bong Bertrand, the delegation promised to come back in future with more assistance. 

EMMA Mimba signs Visitors book for CAFA

 A brief question and answer session, signing of the visitor’s book and a family picture brought the meeting to a close.

CAFA - MISSPA family Picture

Some facts
Created on the 22^nd of February of 2005, MISSPA Orphanage Nkwen is now hosting 135 children; 66boys and 69girls amongst whom 47 are in primary school and 87 in secondary school.
CAFA Members
Emma Mimba from SC Vianese of Portugal
Fai Collins from Dinamo Bucharesti of Romania
Bong Bertrand from Bahrain
Enoh Lewis from Sporting Portugal
Abenego Tembeng from Algeria
Eyong Anderson in France
Menkiawi Walters in Belgium