We have an opportunity to make a significant impact in an impoverished village in Northern Cameroon, Africa. If you or someone you know is interested in donating, here is how to make a difference there.
One of our OLG Parishioners has been working with Fr. André, a dedicated Catholic priest in the region. Every dollar sent to Fr. André goes directly to fund essential projects or provide for those in need. Funds are wired to his church and are fully tax-deductible. Fr. André is transparent, ethical, and deeply committed to his mission—he doesn’t take any money for himself. He documents every step, from proposals to project execution, to ensure accountability.
Transforming Lives with Clean Water
In one village of 300 people, the lack of clean water was devastating. During the dry season, residents had to dig into the ground and scoop up unsafe water, leading to deadly waterborne diseases, especially among children. With an $8,000 donation, Fr. André hired a drilling company to install a clean water well, a manual pump, and a protective concrete foundation. Below, you can see a photo of villagers digging for water before the well was installed:
And here is the clean water well we installed. Fr. André is pictured on the right. Anyone who donates for a new well can have their name, or their family’s name, engraved on a plaque attached to the well, creating a lasting, personal connection:
Urgent Needs at the Local School
Fr. André recently became the principal of the local school, which desperately lacks basic necessities. The school doesn’t have water, restrooms, electricity, computers, or sufficient supplies. The closest large city is 1-2 days away by motorcycle. At the start of the school year, Fr. André rode his bike to purchase supplies for the students with funds I sent. He documented every purchase with receipts and photos, as he always does. Below is a photo of the school:
Built long ago by French missionaries, the school structure remains, but it needs significant help. The most urgent project is constructing a basic restroom facility, especially for the girls. Right now, students have to relieve themselves in the bush. Local villagers are already making bricks for this project, and we need just $2,500 more to cover mortar, labor, and digging the necessary holes. This will be a rudimentary solution but a critical first step. Once a water well and solar-powered pump are installed, proper restrooms can follow.
Another urgent need is a clean water well, storage tank, pump, and solar panels for the school. We have a proposal for $11,000 from a local company, which is attached.
The students currently walk long distances to fetch water, often just enough to fill a trashcan for the day:
Additional Needs
Solar Panels for the School Office: $2,500 (proposal attached)
Computer Lab: A long-term goal to connect students to the world outside their village
Proposals will be obtained once donations allow.
Fr. André’s Residence: Solar panels and batteries for $1,500.
4WD Vehicle for Fr. André: A durable truck, such as a Toyota Tacoma, to navigate the treacherous dirt roads, especially during the rainy season. This would enable him to serve surrounding villages.