Post written by Osee Roméo, the President of The United Planet Amabassador Club in Cameroon.
In fulfillment of its humanitarian mission, UP Ambassador Club of Cameroon arrived promptly at the entrance of the orphanage at 10:05 am on Saturday, April 5, 2008. The nine UP Ambassador Club members were met by the matron who gave her name simply as Marie. Matron Marie ushered the Club members to the guest room and began by thanking them for their concern for the orphans. She explained the origins of the various orphans which ranged from HIV/AID-infected parents, to poverty, to abandonment on the streets, as babies.
Marie, who is a teacher by profession, single-handedly started the orphanage with just five orphans. She prayed for help to care for the children and some people stepped forward to provide the support she needed and to enable her to care for 17 orphans. Presently she cares for the 17 orphans, fifteen of whom are in a primary school and two in the nursery school. The youngest is three and the oldest is twelve.
United Planet Ambassador Club of Cameroon expressed its commitment to foster cross cultural understanding, friendship, and community support. Club president Osée Roméo Tcheupgoum, honored and encouraged Matron Marie’s courage in her work. He committed to continued visits between the Club and the orphanage. Club Members and the children enjoyed asking and answering questions and sharing riddles and jokes. The Club advised Matron Marie on practical ways that the children can learn about their origin, culture, and background.
Matron Marie explained how the children’s rights are protected by the Ministry of Social Affairs. “These children must be fed a balanced diet, be properly educated, clothed, and given good healthcare.” Marie called on all men and women of goodwill to aid her in this work. At the close of the meeting, United Planet Ambassador Club of Cameroon members presented gifts to the orphanage, took photographs and shared refreshments to crown the day a success
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