Cameroon Cooperation Program

Background information

Back in 2010, Cameroon set itself economic growth targets to be achieved within three to four years, but these have still not been met. Corruption, mismanagement and non-transparent court proceedings make everyday life more difficult for the population; the gap between the rich and poor population is growing. This results in social tensions and a threat to peace, also because the Islamist terrorist organization Boko Haram, which originates from Nigeria, commits acts of violence in northern Cameroon and any political opposition is suppressed. However, the most serious conflict since 2016 has been the central government's dispute with the English-speaking population in the South and North-West regions of Cameroon. The state army is fighting separatist groups with ferocity and the population is suffering from the conflict. In 2023, 628,000 internally displaced persons and 428,000 returnees, who often only find destruction, were counted in the Anglophone regions. A total of 2 million people need help. Mission 21 launched an emergency aid program back in 2018. The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), the Protestant University of Central Africa (PUCA) and Aid International Christian Women of Vision (AIChrisWov) are contributing to a qualified discussion of values in society. Through their projects, these and other Mission 21 partner organizations help many people in Cameroon to live in dignity.

Program Goals

• Theological education: Pastors and graduates of the Faculty of Theology at PUCA and PTS are able to critically engage with faith and social issues on an ecumenical basis and make a contribution to the development of the country, especially in the pastoral care of internally displaced persons.
• Healthcarearea: The focus is on basic healthcare and hospitals in rural areas as well as HIV and AIDS work. There is also a training center for nursing staff.
• Education: The target population acquires new skills and knowledge through various trainings to sustainably improve and increase family incomes.
• Help for particularly vulnerable people: Orphans or people with disabilities receive support through schooling and other training opportunities.
• Humanitarian aid: The PCC, the Baptist Church and a number of local NGOs provide internally displaced persons with food, basic necessities and medicines. Trauma healing and opportunities for education are becoming increasingly important and, where possible, these issues are included in the regular projects.

Projects of the cooperation program

• Education:
• 134.1014: University education for the society of tomorrow
• 134.1007: Help for particularly vulnerable people in Cameroon
• 134.1006: Secure livelihoods through education

• Health:
• 134.1029: Health care and HIV prevention in rural areas     

• Emergency relief and reconstruction
• 134,1003 Humanitarian aid in Cameroon

• Program development and coordination
• 134.1070: Program development and coordination in Cameroon

On site

Since April 2016, the coordinator Lumumba Mukong has been in charge of all projects supported by Mission 21 in Cameroon. He completed his master's degree in agricultural economics in England and subsequently worked for various NGOs in Cameroon.