the basis is education and creating employment

As at 17 November 2010, the inhabitants of Sopom neighbourhood in Douala (Cameroon) have access to potable water. In a special ceremony, that brought together the Sopom Economic and Social Development Association (know as ADESSO) and the youth development association (AJSS), Intervolve officially handed over the restored water project to ADESSO. The Sopom inhabitants expressed joy when they watched water flowing from the taps.

 

Water has been a rare commodity in the Sopom. That was why it figured prominently in the development plan of the Sopom Economic and Social Development Association. When this association contacted the Cameroonian water utility company to extend its network to Sopom, the answer was negative due to the costs involved. But that is history now.

 

The borehole which was used before fell into disrepair two years ago. After discussions with ADESSO, Intervolve accepted to hire a technician to construct a water tower, put in place a three meter cubic reservoir, a 1.5 horse power pump, and a system to regulate the automatic refilling of the reservoir. Now the water is tapped form a borehole of 52 meters. Intervolve is working with ADESSO and AJSS to finalise the terms of reference of the Sopom water management committee. Everybody in Sopom agrees to the need for such a committee. The technician has agreed to train two members of the committee on maintenance of the water system.

 

Have a look in our image database to see pictures of the newly installed water tap.

 

 

1 July 2010: Last week in Cameroon the project named ‘Support and promotion of school excellence in Sopom’ which is supported by Intervolve made a start with a opening ceremony.

The ceremony was chaired by the representative of Douala municipality. Representatives of the Ministry of Urban Development,  the Inspectorate of Education and the Ministry of State Property were also present.

Within in the three schools in Sopom many pupils are performing well, but their parents’ income is not sufficient to cover the costs to be made for school. By supporting these pupils with school fees and books they are extra stimulated to continue going to school. A group of parents, teachers and the Sopom residents’ committee selected the pupils.

But also the schools each received three computers to benefit all pupils and to be used to educate them in the use of computers and get acquainted with information technology. A good investment in their future.

A total number of 60 pupils received a package with school- and exercise books. The school fee of about 30 Euros per person was paid directly to the schools. Another 60 pupils are now able go to school also the next year.

Today the World Urban Forum will open in Rio de Janeiro. It is already the fifth session of this bi-annual international event, in which most aspects on cities are touched upon. The forum has grown in size and stature, just like the cities worldwide do. It is projected that in the next 50 years two-thirds of the world population will be living in towns and cities. This causes rapid urbanization, and has impact on communities, cities, economics, climate change and policies.

 

The theme of World Urban Forum 2010 is ‘The right to the city – bridging the urban divide’ It will bring together government leaders, ministers, mayors, diplomats, ngo’s, academics, slum dweller groups and Intervolve. The whole week Intervolve’s project manager Peter Gijs van Enk will be joining the forum and he will report daily on our website.

 

More information on the World Urban Forum can be found on the UN Habitat website: www.unhabitat.org

"Intervolve is implementing a very innovative project: redeveloping an existing urban neighbourhood. The problems faced by urban dwellers in Cameroon are many and need to be addressed. The lessons from this project can be applied to other urban neighbourhoods in Cameroon. I think that is a great and fantastic idea and I like the new approach of working with many stakeholders in an urban setting. Just like the projects that Intervolve in Ethiopia, South Africa and Nigeria."

Outspoken language from Daniel Agoons. per January he arrived to enhance Intervolve in Cameroon as the new programme manager. In the attached interview he tells about the programme and himself.

In the end of September Intervolve participated in a work week of the Urban Matters project in Kisumu in Kenya.

The second newsletter of 2009 has been released. In this edition you can read about the 'Learning Journey' Telengy VROM has made to our project in Ethiopia and about the activities of Intervolve in Cameroon. To read the newsletter, click here.

The latest Intervolve newsletter has just been released. You can read about the recently founded Education Fund, as well as the learning journey that the company Telengy VROM will make to our project in Ethiopia. Click here to read the newsletter.

 

Martin Thursby and Mphuthumi Mayekiso are both 41 years old and they have both recently started working for Intervolve in East London, South Africa. They both introduce themselves: