Future In Our Hands
International Network

Supporting grassroots initiatives in Sierra Leone, through subsistence farming.

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Alpha Kargbo Youth Leading the World (YLTW) “We are pleased and grateful for all your support you have been giving us all this while, blessings to FIOH.”

YLTW have managed to cultivate 2 acres of cassava throughout the summer of 2025 with the aim of having a greater benefit to aid the community in establishing a staple crop. This will enable local communities have a more reliable source of carbohydrate, baking, along with the ability to control prices and employment through processing the raw material.

YLTW started with ploughing as two tractor machines (see image 1) went to work the land. They planned to establish labour to power the construction of ridges on the area (image 2), planting, weeding and cultivation. All with the aim to purchase and transport cassava stems, for farming.

Gari Processing Centre

YLTW chose this as they were convinced it would yield a profound benefit. The processing centre is available for use and is owned cooperatively by the grassroots community. Offering free or reduced cost use towards processing of the Cassava.

FIOH are delighted to participate and facilitate locally managed initiatives like this project. We feel that it has provided meaningful employment, impact and sustainability to the lives of people who need it most. Projects such as this, managed from the ground up by local people has the fastest and biggest impact to people’s livelihoods.

It is our hope to continue to provide funding and guidance on projects like this into the future. If you wish to help us with your support, please consider donating or getting in contact with us for fundraising opportunities.

IAA Cameroon reaps the rewards of sustainability

From seed distribution

To planting out

to harvesting

IAA receives international recognition with prestigious award

1) RECENT AWARD RECOGNITION

Regenerative Agriculture/Agroforestry, IAA has been honored as National Winner of 2024 Energy Globe Award.

The project aimed at training small-holder farmers in regenerative agriculture techniques and agroforestry. Specifically the project focused on climate adaption, carbon sequestration and conservation agriculture techniques, including the use of cover crops; “no till” practices, rotating crops, conserving water. Primarily using native crop varieties and trees to manage pests.

These approaches not only contribute to long term climate resilience, but also increase productivity, decrease farming input costs, and improve soil fertility. The project also increased local availability of safe, quality vegetables and fruits for the poorest and most vulnerable populations in the region. IAA trains and supports rural smallholder farmers in conservation agriculture and agroforestry. We promote sustainable practices that reduce water and chemical use, prevent land degradation, and protect biodiversity.

2) ANNUAL WORLD OF DIFFERENCE AWARD 2022

Founder and Executive Director of Integrated Agricultural Association (IAA): Dungrila Pascal Mbimenyuy has been selected and recognized by TIAW as a 2022 extraordinary man under the champion of Women’s Economic Empowerment in Cameroon

The World of Difference Awards – recognize up to 100 women (and men) around the world whose efforts have advanced the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally or worldwide.

Since 2017, Integrated Agricultural Association (IAA) under the leadership of Dungrila Pascal Mbimenyuy has supported thousands of women directly through sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship and livelihood projects in rural communities within Cameroon.

Other News:

One Young World Ambassadors in Cameroon met with The British High Commissioner to Cameroon

Dungrila Pascal and other One Young World Ambassadors had a meeting with The British High Commissioner to Cameroon, on the 9th of November 2023, at his residence in Bastos, Yaounde. One Young World Ambassadors spent a great moment together with the British High Commissioner, sharing ideas and experiences of their organizations and activities in their respective communities.

Dungrila had the opportunity to have a site meeting with the British High Commissioner, where he discussed the mission, objectives and activities of IAA with the BHC and explored opportunities for possible collaboration and to secure support for Integrated Agricultural Association (IAA).

3) THE CURRENT PROJECT 2025

The ongoing project aimed at increasing local availability of safe, quality vegetables and empower conflict affected women and communities to enhance food security. In addition achieving nutritional balance for 100 households, through diversification of diets of the poorest segments of the vulnerable populations in Kumbo, Bui Division, Northwest Region of Cameroon. The project targeted diverse groups of beneficiaries including; ethnic communities, female-headed households, newly settled families, resource-poor herders and smallholder farmers, and other vulnerable groups without access to secure livelihood. The objective was to implement and mainstream innovative, sustainable, affordable and regenerative approaches to improve food security amongst 100 of the most vulnerable people in Kumbo area. Also to enhance the capacity of resource-poor and poverty-stricken farmers and herders at low income brackets through training and support to produce a wide variety of vegetables like onions, cabbages, carrots, pepper, Irish potato, huckleberry. Using regenerative practices with integrated social ownership, management and involvement. In response to global climate change, the project also aimed at promoting conservation agriculture, which is the foundation of climate-smart agriculture to help vulnerable communities understand the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and how to reduce their carbon footprint.

The grant from The Embassy of Switzerland in Cameroon and Earth Rising Foundation with support from Seed Programs International has helped Integrated Agricultural Association (IAA) to strengthen the country’s food system in light of changing weather patterns and other challenges caused by the ongoing armed conflict in NW/SW regions and strengthen the affected communities with outreach and support. With the grants received in August 2023 and April 2024, IAA have reached 1028 people directly, from diverse backgrounds; including  women, men and youths with essential gardening skills, nutritional education and agroforestry resources and skills, created awareness about climate change through environmental education outreach We have helpied to achieve larger goals like food security, adequate nutrition, increased livelihood opportunities, climate smart or resilient agriculture, community building and gender equality for thousands of people in the following ways:

i.) Community Development: IAA boosted its integrated demonstration garden in Kumbo with land capacity of 5 hectares, which will serve as a community hub for learning and access to planting resources. The garden involves an apiary, seed multiplication, agroforestry promotion, hands-on learning on ecological and bee farming and the distribution of potato tubers and fruit seedlings to smallholder farmers to support the ongoing agricultural development. 

ii.) Home gardens support in Kumbo and Foumban: IAA empowered households with essential gardening skills and resources which resulted in the distribution of over 100,000grams of vegetables seeds and gardening tools to boost food production. Seed types distributed include; Cabbage, Carrot, Onion, Pepper, huckleberry, Cucumber, Okra, Tomato , Potato tubers, Sweet pepper, tree seedlings and Organic manure (2000kgs of cow dung) which resulted in 1350 gardens supported to increase food security and income level for 1350 people at the family/household level. Each seed type represents one garden and average family size is 10 members for 135 farm families supported. Tools include; 100 hoes, 100 watering cans, 100 machetes and 25 pairs of rain boots and 4000 tree seedlings.

In Foumban, IAA empowered 240 households with essential gardening skills and nutrition information which resulted in the distribution of 11,000 grams of vegetables seeds to boost food production. Seed types distributed include; Cabbage, 540 grams, Carrot, 5400 grams, Onion, 3500 grams , Pepper, 250 grams , Tomato, 250 grams , Cucumber, 400 grams which resulted in 1440 gardens to increase food security and income level for 2400 people at the family/household level in Foumban, West region of Cameroon

iii.) Nutrition and Diet: Empowered women on good nutrition practices, diet control and different nutrition options to reduce diet related diseases and malnutrition. With the message “Food is Medicine”, IAA implemented 10 workshops with 300 people that contributed to promoting public health and wellness through essential education on adequate nutrition and how to reduce food waste amongst conflict affected communities and women.

iv.) Environmental education and Agroforestry promotion: IAA engaged mixed age groups and community members on topics like deforestation, dangers of chemical fertilizers on agriculture, carbon emission and created awareness about climate change through regular environmental education outreach. IAA shared knowledge on agroforestry practices and distributed planting materials to 265 smallholder farmers who operate on less than 5 hectares of land. Ultimately, 15,000 trees were planted including, Moringa 1000, Cocoa 1000, Ricinodendron Heudeloti Known as Njansang or Essessang in Cameroon, 1000 and grafted pears (Avocado) 8000, and Prunus Africana 4000 in the Northwest and West regions of Cameroon.

EVOLUTION:

However, IAA recognizes that sustainable development requires continuous learning and adaptation to new challenges. This grant presents an opportunity for IAA to enhance the leadership skills of its team, gain advanced knowledge in sustainable agriculture, and network with global experts in environmental management. By deepening their understanding of innovative practices and policies, IAA aims to scale up this initiative, increase its impact, and empower more women in Cameroon and beyond. To go further, the Project Leader has partnered with Earth Guardian International to lead the Earth Guardian Crew of young climate leaders at the Integrated Agricultural Association (IAA) in Cameroon, as efforts to train and inspire young and community members on environmental and climate justice.

With increased demand for quality seedlings and vegetable seeds amongst the vulnerable farmers there is a need for consistent support. IAA will increase the production capacity of its demonstration garden. Grafted avocado, oranges, lemons, seedlings and seed potatoes will be subsidized to support the communities searching for secure nutrition. We will also train community members on seed multiplication and preservation to gain independence from over reliance on external support for seed donation.

4.) FIGHT AGAINST TOBACCO AND DRUGS USE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE – NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PREVENTION

Building Healthier Communities and Brighter Life Chances for the Younger Generation: (IAA) shape the future of their community by raising awareness of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors by leading mobile NCD therapy interventions and health ambassador training workshops to build the capacity of community health workers. (IAA) uses an evidence-based approach to prevent the harmful use of alcohol and tobacco by building knowledge for medical students and community health workers.

IAA seeks to deliver impactful public health literacy campaigns and community outreach, delivered by and for young people with support from the YHP Impact Fellowship grant awarded by AstraZeneca in 2023.

We champion local initiatives by working with community structures, health units, municipal councils, community health workers, health providers and health academic institutions to reduce the impact of NCDs and their risk factors among young people. In 2023, IAA reached over 500 people directly through in-person workshops and door-to-door sensitization and over 50,000 people through media outreach with NCD information. Over 30% of violence in schools is as a result of drug addiction and tobacco use involving young people in Cameroon and over 20% death annually is related to the consumption of tobacco products. The program also raised awareness of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk factors and utilized the Household Cluster Health Education Model to train and deploy Health Education Volunteers, supported by Community Health Teams and the project team. The focus was on educating households about the risk factors of T1D. Our mobile T1D health initiative tackles health challenges posed by lifestyle, environmental and nutrition factors. The program reached over 207 T1D patients with essential health information and counseling, and 480 families in 2023 and 2024. However, this program did not only work with children and young adults, but also with community structures, health units, municipal councils, community health workers, health providers and health academic institutions through 10 capacity building workshops and health advocacy for 350 people, helping them to reduce the risk factors of T1D, which did not only have a direct impact on children and young people affected by T1D, but on public health as a whole.  

5.) VEGANISM FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND PLANET EARTH!

WHY BECOME A VEGAN!

Compassion for Animals:

In every livestock system, animals are denied their basic needs and interests. Dairy cows are separated from their young shortly after they give birth, so that humans can take their milk. Bull calves are either killed or exported for veal. Even those with bigger cages end up in the same slaughterhouses. Vegans enjoy a variety of delicious and nutritious food with a clear conscience.

Justice for People:

The world’s population is set to exceed 9 billion by 2050. We’ve got to find fairer and more sustainable ways of feeding everyone – and fast. Currently, 40% of the world’s grain harvest goes to feed livestock instead of hungry people. Vegans reduce food waste by getting everything they need directly from plants.

Protecting the Planet:

Animal farming is responsible for at least 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Up to ten times more land and water is needed to support a typical diet of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy than a plant-based diet. Ditching animal products could reduce your carbon footprint significantly. Vegans also have less impact on the rainforests and ease water shortages….and it’s good for your health.  Naturally rich in vitamins, high in fibre, and low in saturated fats, plant based foods can provide all the nutrition we need in all stages of life.

Plant-Based Food for Non-Vegans Cameroon:

The project was designed to reduce meat consumption and farming by working with non-vegan communities in Cameroon to create awareness about veganism and the importance of plant based diet and farming, with support from the vegan society. It organized vegan advocacy workshops with heads of dormitory schools, restaurants and provided training on vegan recipes and protein, advocated for restaurants to include vegan dishes on their menu to affect public demand for meat and purchasing patterns. We also carried out a school vegan lunch campaign to expose children to veganism. The project also worked with Fulani community, carrying out vegan education and advocating for fully plant based farming and regenerative agriculture.

Community turnout was very impressive and more than 228 people have been exposed to veganism. 5 chefs trained on 3 vegan recipes and 1 trainer restaurant recruited, while 35 women trained on how to make meat out of soybean, vegan salad and fried rice. Funding and lack of knowledge about veganism was a concern because veganism is still a new concept and needs massive sensitization in Cameroon. Funding for restaurant food demo cannot be raised by the participants because we are a nonprofit organization and cannot sell food to generate profits. We will continue to create more awareness of veganism and work with trainee restaurants to expose the public to veganism by organizing regular vegan food demonstration events and including vegan recipes (dishes) on restaurant menus.”

6.) VEGETABLE GARDENING, AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF INCOME AND NUTRITION FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES

Healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods through sustainable vegetable gardening: Integrated Agricultural Association (I.A.A) carries out experiment, builds collaboration, planting kitchen gardens and promotion activities to raise awareness of the role of vegetables for improved health and rural poverty alleviation.

Vegetables can alleviate poverty by creating new jobs and new sources of income for farmers and landless laborers, improve health by providing essential micronutrients lacking in diets, enhance learning and working capacities of adults and children through improved diets and health, and improve the sustainability of food production practices through mixed cropping. Our development work focuses on smallholder empowerment, developing and promoting safe production practices, reducing postharvest losses, and improving the nutritional value of vegetables. It increases smallholder farmer income and improve the quality of life as it is a major source of cash money for many families. Vegetable production provides an opportunity for poor rural population to come out of poverty, as it is a major source of fast income for most of the families. It generates income and jobs for smallholder farmers and landless especially the young and women. It has many advantages over most other agricultural enterprises. In 2023/2024, (IAA) distributed thousands grams of vegetable seeds in Northwest and West regions of Cameroon, which is enough to grow sufficient food rich in vitamin, minerals, energy and fibre for malnourish households and the society as a whole.

7.) COMMUNITY YOUTH MICRO ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM.

In 2019, the world experienced the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak that resulted in many businesses and institutions closing down, which meant thousands of young people lost jobs and educational opportunities in Cameroon. Lack of vocational training services and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people has the devastating potential to create a severe and prolonged economic impact. Young people have struggled with life since the COVID-19 outbreak and they need a hand that can support them through vocational training to equip them with constructive knowledge and reliable business skills. The creative abilities and livelihood skills of young people also remain low because of limited exposure to skills development opportunities and lagging behind in entrepreneurship opportunities, information and support.

The skills gap has led to high unemployment rates even at national level.  65% of Cameroonians are below 30 years while 75% still live in rural areas. The focus of this project is on Micro Entrepreneurship development for youth in order to promote self-employment because it’s projected that Cameroon will not be able to generate enough jobs for those entering the labour market during the COVID-19 pandemic and post COVID-19 recovery world. Unless young people are supported through skills development, they stand a risk of being trapped in viscous cycles of poverty yet in Cameroon, youths contribute 50% to the economy of the country.

IAA implemented a project on agribusiness in 2022 with the mission to contribute to the improvement of young people’s lives through Micro Entrepreneurship and community based sustainable skills in Agriculture, with the overall aim to empower both in and out of school rural youths with Vocational Skills in agriculture/Market gardening, to keep them out of current dangers (HIV/AIDS, Early pregnancy , child/early marriage, recruitment into armed groups), Breaking the yolk of vulnerability and become responsible citizens of today and tomorrow in the society.

With support from Global Youth Mobilization, 275 youths have been trained and supported in the following areas:

Micro Business: Participants received intensive training, covering the following areas of a microbusiness common in a rural area: Steps in becoming a successful entrepreneur, Advantages and Disadvantages of micro business, How to prepare a simple business plan, sources of business funding, importance of savings in micro business, venturing into business, what does it take? loan management, record keeping and costing.

Sustainable agriculture: Participants received intensive training on sustainable vegetable gardening, Environmental management, horticulture production and marketing. The training was facilitated by a team of youth agricultural professionals that have extensive knowledge and skills in their field, agronomy and rural engineering.

8.) RISE AGAINST CHILD/EARLY MARRIAGE

Given that girls are victims of child marriage and other forms of sexual exploitation, Governments of many nations tries to delay marriage until the age of 18 years without necessarily empowering girls with the knowledge they deserve to make informed decisions about their lives and relationships. IAA implemented the project in 2021 which aimed at creating awareness about the dangers of child/early marriage and empowering young girls with skills and knowledge to advocate for themselves. With support from Global Youth Mobilization, IAA used integrated approach to help young people develop skills to challenge cultural norms and make informed choices about their bodies and sexuality.

1.) Child/Early marriage and sexual abuse in Bamenda. Integrated Agricultural Association organized a series of workshops on the child/early marriage/sexual abuse. It aimed at empowering young people with skills and knowledge to challenge the physical and cultural norms that do not respect their rights and freedom. Over 750 young people between 16 and 30 years have been reached

2.) Menstrual hygiene management and family planning in Bamenda. I.A.A trained and supported young people on family planning techniques, on how to make and use re-useable menstrual pads and safe sex practices in Bamenda, and given that thousands of vulnerable girls are not able to afford a packet of menstrual hygiene pads, at the current pricing, which cost at least, 1$ per pack. IAA continued to promote gender equality and fight poverty amongst the vulnerable girls by support them with tools and skills to make and use their own pads; to secure their own livelihood and reduce menstrual related stigma and trauma. IAA trained and supported over 1500 girls between 10 and 30 years, with funding from The Global Youth Mobilization. IAA also provided mental health support to children in conflict with the law at the Bamenda Central Prison, where 350 juveniles received food items, soap and COVID-19 protective equipment from IAA.

Other useful Youtube links:

https://www.iaa-africa.org/author/integrated-agricultural-association/

https://www.iaa-africa.org

https://web.facebook.com/IntegratedAgriculturalAssociation

https://twitter.com/IAAAfrica

https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrated-agricultural-association/

https://www.instagram.com/iaaafrica/

Computers on the way for Mike Thomas’s schools

Working in collaboration with Youth Leading the World Sierra Leone

Address  34 Back Street Mile 91 Sierra Leone         E mail    itzalpha@ gmail.com

 Phone  +23299900645                                                 Motto Inspire, Inform, Involve

Historic Context

             Future in Our Hands Education and Development Fund were responsible for the  financing of initial construction of these schools in Sierra Leone.  Following several visits in 1990s and 2000s our founder Mike Thomas, working alongside the local NGO  (Future in Our Hands Sierra Leone). Whose Founder Edward Kargbo became a close personal friend and organised the planning and original construction using local labour. We have since funded repairs to these schools after extreme weather events and ensured superior building standards to the initial construction.  We believe in grass roots initiatives and are delighted that Alpha Kargbo ( son) carries on the humanitarian work and has been pivotal in promoting school improvement. The plan below is the latest proposed innovation to ensure an education fit for the 21st century for these 2000+ local children.

Planned Activities for 2026

Issue of concern

Sierra Leone faces major computer literacy challenges due to lack of infrastructure (electricity, internet), high costs (devices, data), limited teacher training, outdated curricula, and low overall digital skills, this is particularly true in rural areas, hindering economic participation and access to online services.

Project vision

Computer based  learning is crucial for economic empowerment, bridging the digital divide for jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, improving education through global access, and enabling women to combat challenges like gender-based violence, ultimately driving personal growth and national development in an increasingly digital world. This would impact directly on more than 2000 current students and many more in the future

Outline of planned activities

Across all five local primary and secondary schools all bearing the name of the original  chairman of Future in Our Hands

1. Mike Thomas Secondary School Masingbi Town Sierra Leone Northern Province Sierra Leone 

2. Mike Thomas Secondary School Mile 91 Town Northern Province Sierra Leone.

3. Mike Thomas Primary School Rogbetrr Northern Province Sierra Leone.

4. Mike Thomas Primary School Mile 91 Town Northern Province Sierra Leone.

5. Mike Thomas Primary School Masingbi Town Northern Province Sierra Leone 

Construction of additional buildings in all five schools

Purchase of projectors and screens for tuition

Purchasing computers for the five schools

Solar installation and battery storage to overcome the local issue of power reliability.

Teacher training

Projected costs

66,000 Leones   Current exchange rate March 2026    31 New Le  to the GBP  so around £2000. More would obviously allow for greater numbers of computers, solar panels, back up batteries and some teacher training.

Initial plan of proposed construction

Progress on the fundamental block work

Well on the way to completion

Finishing touches

Pupil engagement and pride in the new facility

Engaged students

This was the first school equipped and fully working by the end of 2025. We seek to achieve the same in four more schools throughout 2026. If you think you can help the next generation establish the skills needed for the modern world please donate.

Hearts Indian Charitable Trust Working with FIOH

Helping today for a better tomorrow

Our Vision

To provide nutritious food, clean drinking water, and safe shelter for underprivileged children.

 To ensure access to quality education, school supplies, and digital learning support for poor and orphaned children.

 To organize health camps, vaccinations, and regular medical check-ups for children and mothers.

 To support orphans, differently-abled children, and children with special needs with love, care, and rehabilitation services.

 To create awareness on child rights, stop child labour, and protect children from abuse and exploitation.

 To provide skill development, art, sports, and cultural opportunities for holistic child development.

 To empower poor families and single mothers with livelihood programs, ensuring better care for their children.

 To establish children’s libraries, play centers, and safe spaces that encourage creativity and learning.

 To promote environmental awareness among children through tree plantation, cleanliness, and plastic-free campaigns.

 To provide scholarships and sponsorships for poor and meritorious students for higher education.

CRISIS RECOVERY PROJECT IN THE WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

Website: https://www.iaa-africa.org

Email: info@iaa-africa.org

Tel: +237652130115

1.1) BUDGET: 550GBP, YEAR: 2025

2.) BRIEF OVERVIEW

The scourge of Internal displacement has continued unabated despite international attempts to address its root causes. Ironically the so called anglophone crisis in SW and NW Cameroon has been largely ignored despite the untold misery it has caused the local people, many of whom have been displaced. The human rights of the victims of this violent insurgency have also been conveniently ignored. Questionnaires posed to those involved illustrate that the respondents live in immense fear of losing family members or being killed themselves. Moreover, they have been denied basic freedoms living in indignity with minimal access to water, food or means of subsistence. The greatest aspiration of the respondents is to simply return to their families and resume their livelihoods. The initiatives presented by IAA are an attempt to redress this unacceptable situation.

The situation began in 2014 with instability in Central African Republic which became exacerbated by the impacts of Climate change, unpredictable extremes of rainfall and resultant flooding and soil erosion compounded by unprecedented droughts. Add into the mix the rise of the terrorist sect Boko Haram and you have the perfect storm.



Presented in map form below is a situation analysis produced by UNHCR  at the end of February 2025

Anglophone region of Cameroon has almost 1 million IDPs to manage fleeing from civil war Oct 2025

The project aimed at addressing food shortage by empowering Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and their host community of Foumbot through climate-smart agriculture to be able to grow vegetables during the dry season and increasingly during prolonged dry periods. We seek to end seasonal hunger and poverty, focusing activities in Mogny village of Foumbot sub-division in the West region of Cameroon. 

The objective of the project was to empower and support IDPs with innovative, sustainable, affordable and locally owned approaches to improve food security and rebuild their lives, and enhance the capacity of 100 IDPs to produce a wide variety of vegetables using sustainable and environmentally-friendly technologies with integrated social ownership, management and involvement while increasing economic capacity and securing livelihoods and the planet for the future.

3.) IMPACT:

With the funding received from FIOH UK in February, 2025, Integrated Agricultural Association (I.A.A) trained diverse community members on climate-smart agriculture on topics including regenerative vegetable gardening, nutrition, water management, integrated pest management and soil health improvement. 127 people have been directly involved in training activities, with 71% women participation. 60,000 grams of huckleberry seed was donated to 120 IDPs, 500 grams per beneficiary who already had a farm plot of approximately ¼ hectare. 120 gardens were cultivated across 30 hectares of land and each garden generated approximately 1700 GBP per year for a family of 5 members which achieved larger goals including food and nutrition security, gender equality, health and wellbeing and improved livelihood for over 1000 people.

With the help of this funding, I.A.A also trained 34 trainers on climate-smart agriculture to monitor the program and continue to provide ongoing technical support and advice on best practices to smallholder farmers in the area. I.A.A also created a Huckleberry Producers Union in Mogny with current membership of 80 and the registration process is in progress. These efforts aimed at building local autonomy to sustain the project beyond the funding period.

4.) CHALLENGES:

5.) WAY FORWARD:

6.) CONCLUSION:

Climate Change and disasters affect communities to varying degrees. Women on forced displacement and persons living with disabilities face considerable challenges in accessing help. Most disaster and conflict responses focus on short-term needs: shelter, food and medicine. While critical, this approach must be supplemented with medium-term recovery plans to rebuild lives. By working on vegetable-growing programs for crisis relief, IAA aims to bring stability to the lives of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and empower the most vulnerable to enable sustainable and resilient livelihoods that are self-sufficient and not dependent on aid.

I extend my sincere gratitude to FIOH for supporting me and my team in this incredible mission which I so much have passion and enjoy doing while inspiring others in the same and similar fields.

DUNGRILA PASCAL MBIMENYUY; TEAM LEADER

How worried should we be about the spread of Monkey Pox ?

What is Monkey Pox? (MPox)

Monkeypox is a virus in the same family as smallpox, although less harmful. The virus was originally animal to human transmitted, but is now human to human. Typically MPox is not fatal, however if you are vulnerable, malnourished, with poor access to healthcare, MPox poses a risk to life. – See links at the end of the article for further reading and sources.

What was our response?

FIOH reaction to this news feed was to send immediate grant aid to Sierra Leone hoping that our contact Alpha Kargbo could launch an information and education campaign about the serious nature of this infection. The likely methods of spread and also overcome any perceived negativity and suspicion around a vaccine programme. He aims to achieve this through information and education rather than antivax disinformation.

Our response has proved to be very timely with the news from the Government of the first suspected case of MPox in Sierra Leone. First recorded case of MPox was in Makong village, less than 10km NE from Mike Thomas school at Mile 91. This makes this epidemic a close and pressing issue with the work we do, and people we aim to help.

On 20th August  a 32 year old  man presented with numerous symptoms of MPox, fever, lesions, raised bumps, pus filled blisters, accompanied by muscle pain, joint pain, headaches and weakness reporting that he had the symptoms worsening since 12th August. He reported that he normally hunts rodents and had no travel history outside his local area. Medical response was thorough with the District Health officer informed and a Rapid Response Team alerted. This team collected samples and he was evacuated to the nearest Government Isolation Hospital Unit in Koidu 60 kms away.

15th Aug 2024 What is mpox and how is it spread? www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxww2dxr3mko
20th August Mpox not the new COVID and can be stopped. 
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg34y37jqgo
22nd August 2024  How worried should we be about mpox?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4glqzerw3no
26th Aug 2024 Children bearing the brunt of mpox outbreak
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdjwz77mmgmo
27th Aug 2024   Mpox jabs arrive on African soil after red tape delays www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd734115e5eo

GLORES – PEOPLE TREATED BETWEEN JULY 2021 AND APRIL 2022

The schedule below shows details of the treatment of disabled people (mainly children) between July 2021 and April 2022 including the children that were still following treatment when the report of July 2021 was sent and what happened to them since then.  The children that were admitted for treatment after the report of July 2021 to date are also shown.

With the slow-down  of Covid-19 infections and the arrival of the new vehicle, the number of children coming for treatment has steadily increased. The vehicle donated by Survive Miva shown permitted us to reach distant villages that we have been unable to visit due to bad roads. In those villages we meet hundreds of children needing our services, unfortunately we will not be able to cope with all those children because of the limited resources we have. The assistance we received from FIOH has been significantly reduced due to the economic recession following the Covid-19 epidemic.  We, however, managed the amount sent diligently to cover quite a number of children, especially those from very poor families that could not afford to contribute the required symbolic payment to help buy materials for their treatment.

The adults who sought help from GLORES for the treatment of arthritis, lumbago, sciatic nerve injury and other pathologies that need physiotherapy helped a great deal to bring income for the treatment of the poorer children.

The increase in the number of children and adults for treatment kept us very  busy.  One other problem we have is the need for a Secretary who could have helped us in compiling timely reports.

We are presently trying to raise some money in preparation of the visit of the Paramount Chief of Bafoussam to meet the handicapped children and to see the work of GLORES in his area of jurisdiction. We will need to invite the children treated in GLORES, the Regional Delegate of Social Affairs for the West, the Media and other personalities. We hope to use the occasion for publicity and to raise funds too.

GLORES SCHEDULE FROM JULY 2021 TO APRIL2022(

 

Helping women fleeing from civil conflict in the NW Region

HELPING poor women in the Cameroon.

FUTURE in OUR HANDS UK is supporting the work of SHUMAS (STRATEGIC  HUMANITARIAN SERVICES ) in Cameroon

who are providing psychological support, shelter and livelihood improvement to internally displaced women and girls in Douala exposed to prostitution and abuse.

In 2016 the political crisis in the NW and SW regions caused 573,900 internally displaced people to leave their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. The Non—State Armed groups forced schools to close as a war weapon and students to drop out of schools.

A SHUMAS survey emphasised the need for improved living conditions, psychological support to improve mental health to girls and women exposed to violence and other chronic adversities to enable them to reintegrate into society by improving access to emergency relief shelter, WASH items (water, soap, hygiene) and mattresses. 50 vulnerable families were identified for support, including the provision of alternative income source through training in business management and supporting to enable them to set up their own businesses.

How has FUTURE IN OUR HANDS helped?

A donation sent to SHUMAS in October 2021 was used to buy 50 mattress which were delivered from Bamenda in the NW to Douala and delivered to 50 vulnerable households with a total of 230 individuals (10 elderly women, 146 children, 74 adults and 3 people with disabilities) benefitting. If you would like to help expand this project a donation would be much appreciated.

Please support the work of the Future in Our Hands Education and Development Fund whose aim is to help and empower some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised people by:

Cheques should be made payable to the
Future in Our Hands E&D Fund
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Fundraising to help the work of the charities would be greatly appreciated

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fioh.network.logo

Global Rehabilitation Services Report Sept 2021

BRIEF REPORT OF ACTIVITIES FROM APRIL 2021 TO JULY 2021

July 23, 2021

Listed below are the children that have been treated and those that are still following treatment. The first chart shows the children that were in the last report of March 2021 that had not completed their treatment and the outcome of their treatment. The second chart shows those children that have been admitted after the report of March 2021 till July 2021. The outcome of the treatment was largely successful except a few that stopped treatment and those that needed long term treatment.

The number of children that have come for treatment greatly improved with the reduction of the Covid-19 epidemic. The Centre received 125 children during 2021 but 68 children actually came back for treatment. We are still waiting for more of the 67 children that did not come since the long school holidays break has not yet ended. We believe that the children that have not come for treatment after evaluation is due to the financial hardship resulting from the Covid-19 in Cameroon. Parents are finding it hard to provide their symbolic contributions and to pay for transport. However the availability of the new vehicle from Miva has helped a great deal to fetch some of the children in villages but it is difficult to do that in all the villages.

With the new vehicle donated by MIVA, we are now able to reach many villages for the CBR (Community-based rehabilitation) programme on a monthly basis. We hope to organize groups of concerned individuals and the parents of the affected children in  many villages. This will give us the opportunity to meet many disabled children and bring them for treatments although bringing many children for treatment will be difficult due to financial problems of the parents and GLORES.

WE must thank FIOH for the provision of £1 600 that helped quite a good number of children. The contribution of the adult patients who have to pay for their treatment is also helping us financially.

As you might have noted, most of the adult patients we saw have one common problem, sciatic nerve compression and low back pain. The thing is that GLORES is gaining a reputation in the treatment of sciatic nerve complications so much so that many patients with that problem are being referred to GLORES. We have successfully helped patients with this complication to avoid expensive surgery. The majority of patients with this complication are women due to farming and carrying of heavy loads of farm products.

CHILDREN WHO CONTINUED TREATMENT AFTER THE REPORT OF MARCH 2021

 

Name

 

Age

 

Sex

 

Diagnosis

 

Address

 

Treatment

 

Outcome

 
3 Meke Christna 1 ms F Bilateral club feet Sacta Plastering plus special shoes Discharged with follow-up
4 Taboue Bassime 2 y F Bilateral varus knees Tchichap Stretching and splints Calipers discontinued and dischared
5 Djeleseck Lewis 4 y M Left herb palsy Dschang Functional reeducation Affected arm functional, discharged
6 Mfor Blessing 10 ms F Bilateral varus knees Djeleng 2 Stretching and splints

Splints discontinued with

follow-up
7 Dongfack Tsamo 7 y F Retarded development Yaounde Functional reeducation Parents stopped treatment although there was improvement
8 Mafeugoum Doriane 18 y F Prenatal deformaton of right leg Bafoussam Mobility splint Can walk successfully but still comes for splits repairs.
9 Tadjuidje Henri 3 y M Retarded development Bamenze Functional reeducation Still coming for treatment (Long term treatment)
10 Kengue Oumbe Valyros 3 y M Bilateral valgus knees Baleng Stretching and splints Splints discontinued and dischared
11 Sapo Eurich 4 y M Bilateral valgus knees Baleng Stretching and splints Splints removed with follow-up
12 Kamche Lliaken 11 ms M Bilateral valgus knees Bamenze Stretching and splinting Discharged
13 Feupossi Tenny 2.5 y M Bilatral valgus knees Djassa Stretching and splinting Splints discontinued and dischared
14 Takeo F Congenital deformation of lower limbs Baham Muscle strengthening exercises and  ambulation splints Can walk with help of splints, going to school and follow-up repairs.
15 Kuate Tresor 4 y M Spastic Cerebral palsy Bamenze Functional reeducation Still under treatment (long term treatment)
16 Moujaita Nabia 9 y F Quadruplegy due to attack of meningitis Banengo Functional reeducation followed by splinting  Resumed treatment after parents stopped bringing the child.
17 Bayang Marie Chantal 10 y F Lower limb contracture and spasticity Correction of Achile tendons and, coordination exercises Can work independently but still comes for control.
18 Randy M Spastic cerebral palsy Bamenda Therapeutic exercises, replacement of splints due to growth. Deformation of lower limbs corrected, spasticity amazingly reduced. Walks with assistance and following home treatment and coming for follow-up

 

CHILDREN ADMITTED FOR TREATMENT FROM APRIL 2021 TO JULY 2021

 

NAMES

 

AGE

 

SEX

 

DIAGNOSIS

 

ADDRESS

 

TREATMENT

 

OUTCOME

 

 
1 Mandefo Marie 71 y F Inflammatory arthritis Socada Pain management Her situation is unfortunately chronic and will need  PT (bone degeneration)
2 Janette Yoghae 50 y F Sciatic nerve injury Eveché Lumber traction,  therapeutic exercises Neurosurgery recommended although she is feels no serious pains
3 Nopoupoji marie 60 y F Frozen shoulder Bamedze Pain management, therapeutic exercises Full recovery
4 Magne Deodone 60 y Fraction contracture left knee following an accident Njingah Stretching, massage Left knees straightened
5 Tene Pelagie 38 y F Sciatic nerve Compression Kamkouop Lumber traction,  therapeutic exercises Recovered
   6 Moujiata Nabia 9 y Paraplegia following meningitis Banengo Therapeutic exercises, splinting Can walk using splints and coming for follow-up treatment
7 Sr.  Margrette Madjou 54 y F Sciatic nerve compression Bamendju Lumber traction,  therapeutic exercises Discharged satisfaction
8 Echia Mercy 61 y F Sciatic nerve compression Banengo Lumber traction,  therapeutic exercises Fully recovered
9 Salamatou Ndikea 35 y F Neglected sub luxation of left hip Banego Therapeutic exercises, shoe adaptation Can walk straight with orthopaedic shoes
10 Kenge Abertine 55 y F Low back pain Bamendju Therapeutic exercises Discharged  with satisfaction
11 Koagne Wembo 62 F Sciatic nerve compression Njinngah Lumber traction,  therapeutic exercises Discharged recovered
12 Mefoukah Therese 43 y F Sciatic nerve injury Tounjie Lumber traction,  therapeutic exercises Discharged , full recovery
13 Sister Clementine 47 y F Sciatic nerve compression Njounang Lumber traction,  therapeutic exercises She refused neurosurgery, came to GLORES and recovered fully since then she has recommended many patients to GLORES
14 Chinda Soh 18 y M Trauma contraction left knee Tocket Stretching, therapeutic exercises Right knee brought to 90 degrees and functional
15 Zoukou Nouel 3 y M Bilateral  16tibia internal rotation Maeture Therapeutic exercises, splinting Both knees corrected
Kadji Veronique 47 y F Sciatic nerve compression Magoua Lumber traction,  therapeutic Neurosurgery recommended but she refused
16 Ayanga Noubissi 49 y M Sciatic nerve compression Socada Lumber traction,  therapeutic Discharged recovered
17 Kuetang Benadette 40 y F Left wrist fracture contracture Quartier Haoussa Therapeutic exercises, splinting Contracture straightened but hand function still to recover
18 Mamma Zargaou 2 y F Bilateral Valgus knees Bamendze Stretching, splinting Both knees straightened and discharged
19 Taa Ndifo 40 y M

Sciatic nerve compression

 

 Sacta Lumber traction,  therapeutic Referred for neurosurgery
20 Jidam Mohamed 5 y M Inflammation right leg following accident Banefo Pain management Recovered fully
21 Tongho Gabriel 74 y M Sciaic nerve injury Quartier Haoussa Lumber traction,  therapeutic Did not fully recovered and was referred for neurosurgery in Yaounde
24 Nganueu Myles 4 y M Bilateral valgus knees Maeture Stretching, splinting Discharged with deformation fully corrected
25 Zoakeu Mechelini 45 y F Sciatic nerve compression Njounang Lumber traction,  therapeutic Treated and discharged
26 Djoungouang Roselini 55 y F Sciatic nerve compression Djeleng 3 Lumber traction,  therapeutic Fully recovered
27 Barmi Delphine 45 y F Disc hernia Njounang Mild traction, therapeutic exercises, pain management  Recovered and  avoided neurological operation
28 Mabouo Regine 60 y F Sciatic nerve compression Bamendze Lumber traction,  therapeutic Recovered and discharged
29 Tina Talep 3 y F Bilateral valgus knees Tchichap Stretching, splinting Deformation fully corrected, splint discontinued
30 Kenge Yvama 13 y F Windswept deformity Banengo Stretching, splinting Wearing splints and following the bi-weekly control visits
31 Nana Epse Tchounje 65 y F Sciatic nerve compression Yaounde Lumber traction,  therapeutic Recovered after the recommended 2 week treatment
32 Kamar Joan 3 y F Bilateral valgus knees Stade Stretching, splinting Wearing splints and coming for bi-weekly control
33 Mbeutsing Josephine 36 y F Discal hernia Bamoungoum Mild traction, therapeutic exercises, pain management Recovered after 3 week treatment
34 Penha Celestine 46 y F Discal hernia Kamkouop Mild traction, 35therapeutic ex36ercises, pain man37agement Recovered after 2 week treatment
35 Fotso Joan 9 y M Flexion contracture of knees Bamendze Undergoing preparation for splints
Naghe Gaston 42 y M Trauma right ankle TPO Pain management Undergoing PT
36 Djeussi  Benadette 33 y Lumbargo Bamendze Therapeutic exercises

Good progress

Still on treatment
37 Ayuk Ruth 52 y F Low back pain due to arthritis Banengo Therapeutic exercises Still on therapy
38 Mafogie George 3 y M Windswept deformity Douala Stretching, splinting Undergoing preparation for splints
39 Cecilia Tenkeu 68 y F Paralysis of right arm Tamdja Therapeutic exercises Still on treatment
40 Mapah Esmila 3 y F Left club foot Bamendze Stretching then splinting Undergoing PT then splinting
41 Tsabou Leonoura 7 m F Fracture right femur Djeleng 1

Plaster immobilization

(2 months)

 To remove POP in 2 months.

 

 

HEARTS COVID 19 RELIEF SEPTEMBER 2020

HEARTS FOUNDATION

BAPATLA, GUNTUR DIST, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA.

COVID-19 (CORONA VIRUS) RELIEF ASSISTANCE

SUPPORTED BY FUTURE IN OUR HANDS, U.K.

 

BACKGROUND:

The Covid 19 crisis began in January 2020 in Wuhan, China and within days spread across the world and till today has become a major challenging factor and created a global health emergency. India is alerted starting from Kerala by identifying passengers coming to Indian Airports from overseas. The first lockdown in India was started on 20th March, 2020 and till today (15-09-2020) normalcy has not been established. The current Indian population is 1.3 billion people. Everyone feared the impact of Covid-19 if not brought under control. Thanks to the Indian Government and State Governments for tackling this outbreak collectively. An impressive role was played by the Doctors, Nurses, Sanitary Workers and Police in combating spreading of this virus. The Indian Council of Medical Research suggests that it is not over and can be repeated if health related precautions are not taken care of i.e. Mask, Sanitizer, Cleanliness, Social Distance etc. The current statistics in India related to Covid-19 is declining but the virus is still prevailing in a few locations across the country. Our Prime Minister warned the country to not fear the virus and respect the people who are positive and the reality is for everyone to live with it. It can be cured and vaccines are coming shortly to tackle the problem. Current Indian statistics show the total number of positive cases is 5.02 million and deaths are 82,066. In Andhra Pradesh the state total number of positive cases is 514,000 and deaths are 5,041.

Hearts covered relief assistance in four Tribal colonies in and around Bapatla town and rural areas two times till date. The word Tribe is based on Caste reservation system called Scheduled Tribe (ST) and some others are Scheduled Caste (SC), Backward Classes (BC), Minorities (Muslim) and rest are general who are upper caste i.e. Brahmins, Pundits, Merchants etc. India is a huge populated country and illiteracy plays a major role for academic and employment opportunities. Therefore without reservations for underprivileged population, there is no chance at all for their children getting into Universities, Government jobs etc. Under the Caste system, Scheduled Tribes are downtrodden, looked down upon and particularly on those who are illiterate. Usually they live out of the towns especially on river or canal banks. The Government talks about equality for ST population in line with others but in practice it’s not happening.

We have identified four colonies where the population are living in thatched roof palm leaf houses and it is shocking to know the many hurdles they are facing under the lockdown due to Covid-19. In one of the colony, Hearts runs a Day Care Centre for children to come to school.

Colonies helped:        Tribal population in four colonies namely:

1) Krupanagar Colony – 85 families

2) Ramnagar Colony – 90 families

3) Venkata Reddy Colony – 60 families

4) Matsyapuri Colony – 30 families

Total – 265 families

A family includes husband, wife, children and grand parents, if any. Approximately on an average we have reached 1,000 people who are children and adults.

Activities:                    We have carried out following activities:

Details:                       

Apart from Tribal colonies, Hearts also helped children’s parents from Hearts Children Home. Since lockdown the parents or guardians of children are out of work. They have struggled a lot financially. The Government supplied Rice and Dal but they had to buy other ingredients to cook a meal.

Please support the work of the Future in Our Hands Education and Development Fund whose aim is to help and empower some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised people by:

Cheques should be made payable to the
Future in Our Hands E&D Fund
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Fundraising to help the work of the charities would be greatly appreciated