Bamenda, Cameroon

July 30–August 12, 2010

On this 15-day adventure, you will be helping one or more families build a home in Bamenda, Cameroon. By helping to build a home, you will be helping them achieve dreams of living in decent and safe housing. You will be working alongside a team of volunteers, local builders, community members and the families that will live in the newly-built houses. The trip is not all hard work, however, as there will be extra activities, such as visiting places of interest and enjoying the cultural events taking place in the community. This will be a fun-filled adventure—not only on the build site but in the activities we undertake as a team. You can become part of this culture for a short time, and make a difference in the lives of local families.

We are looking for enthusiastic, fun-loving, dependable, hardworking and open-minded people to help. If that description fits you, please join us!

About Cameroon
Cameroon is considered both Central and West African, as it sits on the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. Country neighbors include Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south. It is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Africa and is sometimes referred to as the “hinge of Africa” because of its thermal springs and indications of volcanic activity.

The country now has a population of more than 18 million people. The literacy rate is nearly 70 percent, with French and English as the two major languages spoken. Favorable agricultural conditions and modest oil reserves have helped Cameroon create one of the best commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. The nation, however, still faces many of the most serious problems facing similarly underdeveloped countries.

Cameroon’s housing needs are exacerbated by substandard informal living settlements in cities and suburban areas. Jobs and basic amenities are not available in many rural areas, forcing many families to leave for cities that are already overburdened. Such difficult living conditions lead to frequent illnesses and make raising children extremely challenging—in urban or rural areas.

About HFH Cameroon
HFH Cameroon was established in the capital city of Yaounde in 2001. Since then, 15 interested communities have been identified, and national office staff has begun orientation and training. The first Habitat house in Cameroon was completed in 2002 in Ntumbaw, in the northwest province of Cameroon. The program is working through nine affiliates in the northwest and central provinces and continues to grow, with many new projects being considered.

Habitat houses are made of cement blocks and mud bricks plastered inside and out, with aluminum roofs. The style of home built in Cameroon typically is a two-bedroom home with a living room. Its utility block is detached from the main house. When the houses are built, the homeowners are expected to pay back the mortgages with no interest, spread over a 5–10 year period. This same money is used to build houses for other families through a revolving fund.

Standard itinerary
(14-day itinerary)
July 30, Friday: Depart for Cameroon.
July 31, Saturday: Arrive in Yaounde; check in at hotel; dinner.
August 1, Sunday: Travel to affiliate; welcome and orientation; dinner; free time.
August 2–6, Monday–Friday: Typical work day; breakfast will be taken before leaving each morning; work on site; lunch and dinner will be prepared by members of the community; free time each evening.
August 7, Saturday: Possible half-day build; cultural activities; free time.
August 8, Sunday: Church and cultural activities; free time.
August 9–10, Monday–Tuesday: Typical work day.
August 11, Wednesday: Breakfast; work from 8–11 a.m.; dedication and farewell ceremony; travel to Yaounde; free time; team dinner.
August 12, Thursday: Depart for home.

Note: Special events throughout the trip may include visits to local museums, schools and other cultural sites.

Accommodations
On the first and last nights, the teams will share rooms in guesthouses. Showers and western-style toilets will typically be available. While in Bamenda, the team will stay in finished Habitat houses with bathroom, shower, and generator for electricity. Team members will prepare breakfasts. Lunches and dinners will be prepared by members of the community. In transit and while on free days, the team will stay in small, local hotels.

Trip cost
$1,620
(For more details about what is included in this cost, visit Global Village trip cost.)

Team leader
Ray Fowell has worked on and led a number of HFH teams in Europe, Central America and India. This will be his eleventh trip and fifth as a team leader. He lives in the United Kingdom and heads a small property management company, but his passion is working in far-off lands with like-minded people willing to get their hands dirty, have fun and make a difference.

If you are interested in joining this team of fun-loving individuals or just want more information, contact Ray by e-mail at ray@sovereign-estates.com or by phone at +44 7983575271, GMT. (Please remember the time difference.)