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Date: Saturday December 5th, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Address: 2201 S. Gaylord Street, Denver, CO 80208

Dinner Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in S.E. Aurora

Dear brothers and sisters,

Dear friends:

As you may have read from various media in the past few months, the Fomunyoh Foundation (TFF) continues to undertake positive activities in Cameroon The Foundation center in Bamenda is close to completion and and now hosts seminars and various social events; the Foundation radio station has been up and running for the past 18 months; and we continue our outreach efforts and support to traditonal leaders, cultural associations, women organizations, underprivileged groups and other civil society organizations in Cameroon. TFF recently launched an HIV / AIDS citizens’ awareness initiative by way of monthly workshops on the pandemic with presentations by medical experts and open free attendance by citizens from all walks of life admitted on a first come, first serve basis.

TFF staff and volunteers participated actively in the recent May 1 labor day celebrations; they also continue to seek out staff development opportunities in and outside of Cameroon. The Foundation’s relationship with John Hopkins University, (SAIS) in Washington DC continues to grow, and the 2009 summer interns will travel to Cameroon in June. Hopefully, by this summer, we would open the Foundation’s public Library which, in its first installment, will house over 25,000 volumes in all subject areas and for all age groups from kindergarden through University and post-doctorate studies.

The Foundation’s website www.tffcam.org has been updated, and we invite you and your numerous friends and contacts to visit the site for more information on any of the abovementioned topics. In return, I would appreciate your feedback, comments, suggestions or recommendations — that you may have. Thanks indeed for your constant support and encouragement. As always, I look forward to more advice, and greater guidance and support in the days ahead.

Sincerely,

Dr. Chris Fomunyoh
President
TFF
Christopher.Fomunyoh@tffcam.org

Chers frères et chères soeurs,

Mes chers amis:

Comme vous avez dû le lire dans divers media ces derniers mois, la Fondation Fomunyoh (TFF) continue d’entreprendre de nombreuses actions positives au Cameroun. Le centre de la Fondation à Bamenda est presque terminé et on y tient déjà de nombreux séminaires et divers évènements sociaux; la station de radio de la Fondation est installée et fonctionne depuis 18 mois; et nous continuons nos efforts et nos soutiens en direction des autorités traditionnelles, des associations culturelles, des organisations féminines, des groupes défavorisés et autres organisations de la société civile au Cameroun.  TFF a récemment lancé une campagne de sensibilisation au virus HIV et au SIDA au moyen d’ateliers mensuels sur la pandémie avec des présentations d’experts médicaux; ces ateliers sont ouverts à tous les citoyens de tous horizons sans exception: les premiers arrivés sont les premiers servis.

Le personnel de TFF et quelques uns de nos bénévoles ont pris part au défilé du 1er mai pour commémorer la fête du travail.  Ils continuent à participer à des sessions de renforcement de capacités au Cameroun et ailleurs. La relation entre la Fondation et l’Université John Hopkins, (SAIS) à Washington DC continue à se développer et les stagiaires de l’université pour l’été 2009 se préparent à aller au Cameroun en juin. Nous espérons pouvoir ouvrir cet été la bibliothèque publique de la Fondation qui, dans un premier temps, comportera plus de 25000 volumes sur tous les sujets et pour tous les âges, de la maternelle à l’université et aux études postdoctorales.

Le site internet de la Fondation www.tffcam.org a été mis à jour et nous vous invitons vous et vos nombreux amis et contacts à visiter notre site pour y trouver plus d’information sur les sujets mentionnés plus haut. En retour, j’apprécierais de recevoir  vos réactions, commentaires, suggestions ou recommandations. Je vous remercie pour vos conseils, vos soutiens et les encouragements constants.  Comme toujours, j’en espère encore davantage dans les jours à venir et vous en remercie par avance.

Bien à vous.

Dr. Chris Fomunyoh
Président
TFF
Christopher.Fomunyoh@tffcam.org

As you may have read from some of my TFF-related emails in the past few months, many positive events that have taken place lately. The external structure of the Foundation center has been completed and now hosts seminars and other events (Dan and Mason had been on my case on this), the Foundation radio station has been up and running non stop now for about 18 months (Kristin & Nate would say ‘finally’!), and we continue our outreach and support to traditonal leaders, cultural associations, underprivileged groups and other civil society organizations in Cameroon. We have now launched an HIV / AIDS citizens awareness initiative which in its first workshop last April 15 was very highly attended and appreciated. TFF staff (oh yes, Nikki & Morgan) continue to participate in staff development opportunities in and outside of Cameroon. And I should add they are receiving salaries and the budget tracking system (put in place by Lisette and Angela) is being followed scrupulously. Hopefully, by this summer, we would open the Foundation’s public Library which in its first installment will house over 25,000 volumes in all subjects areas and for all age groups. TFF’s relationship with John Hopkins University, SAIS (IDEV) continues to grow, and the 2009 summer interns — Elizabeth and Henrik — will be arriving Cameroon by the first week of June.

If you that have visited the website lately, you would have noticed that it is being updated (Audrey & Nick may have seen a posting of their listener survey). Oh yes, the final version of www.tffcam.org new look will be released sometime next week, and we have promised the webmasters and ourselves that we will make sure it is updated on a very regular basis. Along those lines, I believe it will be a wonderful idea to create a page for you all alumnae, as your foot prints can be seen on various aspects of progress made thus far. The idea is to create a link under “TFF Project Connect” where we have a paragraph or two (with two or three photos to match) on each one of our alums stating what they did during their summer internship, the things they liked most about that experience or Bamenda or Cameroon as a whole, how that experience has contributed to their professional growth and where they are today. I trust you would insert some quotes and / or insightful anecdotes to make it lifely.

Last Thursday, I discussed the idea with Angela Stephens who was thrilled by it and felt, like I did, that you all would embrace the concept. Additionally, Angela accepted to coordinate this effort for us. The idea is that each of you will email your write up and two or three photos to Angela who will harmonize everything into a single document that will then be sent to the TFF webmasters. Angela’s email is angelamail@aol.com

As usual, I would appreciate any comments or feedback that you may have.

Best regards.

Chris…alias Doc (for Cameroon purposes)

Coordinated by Ms Terry Acha nee Fomundam, IYHAKAH’s launching event had as guest speakers Dr Nyamndi Godlove Ganyam, North West Regional Coordinator in charge of HIV/AIDS at the Regional Hospital in Bamenda, and Dr Arrey Charles Kefie of the Day Clinic — a special unit of the Regional Hospital that carters to people living with HIV/AIDS. Dr Nyamndi discussed “HIV/AIDS rates in North West Cameroon and a remedial plan of action”, while Dr Arrey discussed the “Challenges of accessing Healthcare in the North West Region and measures to improve healthcare delivery.”

After the two presentations by the medical experts, the participants engaged in an enriching interactive session. Some of the questions raised by participants focused on the role the Foundation’s IYHAKAH could play to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS as well as help draw the attention of less suspecting citizens to traditional medical practitioners who claim to cure HIV/AIDS. Participants wanted to know more about the means of transmittal of HIV / AIDS, with some asking if HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through mosquito bites, given the prevalence of mosquitoes in certain parts of Cameroon. Some participants recommended that TFF experts frequently visit communities and village or regional meetings to share the fundamentals of the IYHAKAH initiative with those that are unable to attend seminars at the Foundation’s head office. The Foundation Radio was highly applauded for helping sensitize the population on IYHAKAH and the plight of HIV / AIDS; and participants requested that the sensitization be intensified. In responding to the workshop review questionnaires, many participants recommended, strongly, that IYHAKAH seminars be held weekly rather than monthly.

Initially planned for 80 participants from a cross section of society, the event was overbooked as 120 participants showed up from the medical core, Regional administrative bodies, and social and cultural associations. In attendance were political and civic leaders, traditional rulers, business men and women, jurists, representatives of the military, teachers, students and researchers from international institutions. The event received extensive media coverage and was reported on in Abakwa, Hot Coffee, and Foundation radio FM stations, as well on three media outlets with nationwide coverage — STV Television, and Dikalo and EDEN newspapers.

The next IYHAKAH seminar will be held in May at the Foundation head office, on a date to be announced soon. To facilitate pre-registration, the expert speakers and topics will also be announced in advance.

A welcome speech presented by Jespa Ajereboh, the Country Coordinator of The Fomunyoh Foundation (TFF), on the occasion of the launching of the Foundation’s IYHAKAH Health Program. Read more

Participants ask questions during the interactive Q & A period		TFF / IYHAKAH Coordinator Ms. Therese Acha née Fomundam explains the initiative to the audience as Country Coordinator Jespa Ajereboh looks on.
Dr. Nyamndi Godlove during his presentation		Dr. Arrey Charles during his presentation
Some of the Traditional leaders present		A close view of some of the participants
Participants ask questions		TFF note takers

Together against HIV

Dear TFF team,

I am pleased to inform you that we have decided to begin an HIV/AIDS awareness raising activity at the Foundation beginning April 15, 2009. Under the appelation of “Improving HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Access to Healthcare” (IHAKAH), this component of the Foundation’s work will consist of monthly all day sessions at the Foundation Head Office at Mile 6, Bamenda, for between 40-60 people, whether infected or affected, caregivers for people with HIV, social workers, healthcare workers, etc. In other words, ALL groups of persons will be invited to participate with no questions asked, except registration at the Foundation on time and on a first come, first served basis. The sessions will be led by medical and other experts with established qualifications and experience in the subject matter.

This component of the Foundation’s work will be managed by Mrs. Therese F. Acha, a registered healthcare practitioner with many years of relevant experience. Therese also holds a Bachelor of Science degree as well as a Masters of philosophy (M.PH.) from South Africa. Therese’s post - graduate thesis was on “HIV Pregnant women in Bamenda” and the co-supervisor of her thesis is currently the Regional Delegate of Health for North West Cameroon. She is therefore very familiar with the fight to curb the spread of HIV/ADIS in Cameroon and other parts of Africa. Mrs. Therese has generously volunteered to travel from Douala (where she is based) to Bamenda at least once every month to coordinate this initiative. She will benefit from long distance guidance from Dr. Henry Fomundam, Regional Director (Africa) for the HIV/AIDS Pharmaceutical Care Program - ROADS Project, based in Pretoria, South Africa.

Therese will coordinate with other TFF staff and journalists of the Foundation Radio on ways to inform the public about the monthly meetings, set up appointments for experts and resource persons, and record the proceedings by way of photos, video and audio tapes, as appropriate. Materials produced during the program will be stored at a Resource Center for public education purposes. The IHAKAH initiative will also gather information in the form of books, posters, CDs, etc, from organizations such as UNAIDS, WHO and USAID / PEPFAR in order to enrich the knowledge base of program participants. The Resource center will eventually be folded into the Foundation’s Public Library once it becomes operational this summer.

Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Therese Acha to the fold, and in thanking TFF staff for stepping up to another major undertaking.

Dr. Chris Fomunyoh
President

TFFCAM

© ICIcemac.com

For more than a decade today, we have followed, closely, efforts to move African countries towards more democratic governance and real economic prosperity. Most of you have been involved, directly or indirectly, in positive initiatives in these two key areas. Recent positive developments in countries such as Kenya and Benin on the one hand, and current crises in Zimbabwe and Côte d’Ivoire on the other, again underscore the point that those of us with new ideas and valuable experience can contribute a lot to our dear continent. Most of Africa needs help to realize the full potential of its resources and the aspirations of its people.

On a personal level, the message was reinforced during my recent trip to Cameroon in December 2002. During that trip, I met with civic and political leaders, academics and University students, private businessmen, women and traditional leaders, as well as journalists and ordinary citizens, and learned a lot about the state of democracy and prevailing circumstances back home. I also heard more than an ear full about the expectations placed upon those of us in the diaspora (and our friends and professional relations) by the millions left behind.

Since most of the issues raised by various individuals during that trip fall within the mission statement of the TFF Foundation, most of you advised that we increase our efforts to understand and, if possible, resolve some of them. Based on that advice and further consultations with some of you, we have decided to launch a brain trust to help foster thorough and creative thinking about how we can continue to be helpful. This web-based discussion, code named “Project Connect” will be coordinated on our behalf by Dr. Cyprian Fonyuy who will, in the next few days, lay out broad guidelines on how we will proceed. A jurist and social scientist with about 20 years of international development experience, Cyprian will certainly serve us well. He can be reached via email at cfonyuy@yahoo.fr. We appreciate your thoughtful contribution to this endeavor.

Thank you profusely for taking the time and happy New Year 2003.

Chris Fomunyoh, Ph.D.
President
The Fomunyoh Foundation (TFF)
2020 Pennsylvania Avenue #305
Washington, DC 20008-1856
www.tffcam.org

Chers amis,

Il y a maintenant plus de dix ans que nous suivons de très près les efforts entrepris pour mener l’Afrique vers une gouvernance plus démocratique et une prosperité économique réelle. La plupart d’entre vous ont été impliqués, directement ou indirectement, dans des iniatives positives dans ces deux domaines. Les évènements récents de nature heureuse dans des pays comme le Kénya ou le Bénin d’une part, comme les crises malheureuses au Zimbabwe et en Côte d’Ivoire d’autre part, soulignent une fois de plus que ceux d’entre nous qui ont des idées nouvelles et une expérience valable, peuvent apporter beaucoup à notre cher continent. La plupart des pays d’Afrique ont besoin d’appui pour réaliser pleinement le potentiel de leurs ressources et les aspirations de leurs populations.

A mon niveau personnel, j’ai pu en voir la confirmation lors de mon récent voyage au Cameroun en décembre 2002. Au cours de ce voyage, j’ai rencontré des dirigeants civils et politiques, des professeurs et des étudiants d’Université, des hommes d’affaire, aussi bien que des femmes, des chefs traditionnels, des journalistes, des citoyens ordinaires; j’ai beaucoup appris sur l’état de la démocratie et les conditions qui prévalent dans notre pays. J’ai aussi entendu mainte paroles exprimant l’espoir que placent nos concitoyens en nous autres de la diaspora, ainsi que dans nos amis et nos relations professionnelles.

Comme la plupart des problèmes soulevés par les gens durant mon voyage cadrent avec les termes de référence de la Fondation TFF, la plupart d’entre vous ont insisté que nous augmentions nos efforts pour comprendre et, dans la mesure du possible, résoudre certains d’entre eux. En nous basant sur ce conseil et de plus amples consultations avec certains d’entre vous, nous avons décidé de lancer un groupe de réflexion pour encourager de toutes les manières possibles la réflexion et les idées nouvelles pour continuer à servir notre cause. Cette discussion sur le web qui se fera sous le sigle du “Project Connect” sera coordonné par Dr. Cyprian Fonyuy qui établira dans la semaine qui vient des lignes directrices de cette action. Juriste et spécialiste des sciences sociales avec 20 ans d’expérience dans le domaine international, Cyprian jouit de notre entière confiance pour la réalisation de cette mission. On peut le joindre par e-mail à cfonyuy@yahoo.fr. Nous apprécions votre contribution précieuse à cet effort.

Nous vous remercions infiniment de votre temps et vous souhaitons une bonne et heureuse année 2003.

Chris Fomunyoh, Ph.D.
President
The Fomunyoh Foundation (TFF)
2020 Pennsylvania Avenue #305
Washington, DC 20008-1856
www.tffcam.org