AIMS Cameroon Students came up with a strategy to reach out to destitute children around the neighbourhood. They were able to raise the sum of 320,000 FCFA from students and staff for this purpose and on the 24th of December 2015, AIMS Cameroon students, with a tutor and 3 other staff visited the Save the Children Orphanage in GRA Bota in Limbe, South West Region of Cameroon. Save the Children Orphanage is a home for 22 children, ages ranging from 3 months to 17 years.
Most of the 320,000 FCFA was used to donate financial and material gifts; to buy essential goods like rice, tomatoes, sugar, toilet rolls, toothpaste, eggs, bathing soap, powder soap, milk, Ovaltine, and other items that were necessary for everyday use. The balance of cash in the sum of 116,000 FCFA was handed to the management of the orphanage. Other gifts like books, pens and pencils were put in parceling bags which were handed to orphans individually.
The children were delighted with joy when the AIMS vehicle pulled into the compound. The program started at 11:30 am with an opening prayer by Theophilus Asenso and an opening remark by the Class Delegate, Blaize Abuntori who introduced the students and staff to the children. Games and songs led by Emmanuel Uchendu who doubled as the MC of the program came next.
There was full participation from the children as they were very happy to welcome AIMS in their midst. A short talk was presented by the Gender Club, having Joshua Oyedele as the spokesperson. The school staff representative in the person of Catherine Martin gave a short speech where she encouraged the children to hold on to their dreams as she assured them that the future holds much more for them. She, thus, presented the gift items and some funds from AIMS-Cameroon Students.
Lunch was served to everyone including the children by the AIMS caterers. This gesture actually made the children feel as if they were celebrating the holiday. Gifts were handed to the children by Ms. Catherine Martin who encouraged them to hope for the best. A cake was made with the picture of children by Mrs. Tima Haddison and presented to them. Several games that kept the children cheering were played. The highlight of the program was the dance performance by the children.
Mr. Ngale who is acting as the Manager of the orphanage in the absence of the mother expressed his appreciation during his speech and asked that AIMS should continue to support them whenever the need arises. He indicated that AIMS could help in the domain of extra classes for students that are behind in some of the subjects in school.
The occasion ended with a lot of dancing and celebration.
AIMS students reluctantly departed at about 3:45 pm to prepare for other activities to mark the holiday season. An AIMS student said “It was amazing as we all came back with a feeling of gratitude as most of us learned from this act of giving back to the society. From our experience there, we can say, Africa has a brighter future as most of the children had giant ambitions and great minds”.