Training and Development

Training is a priority to the groups. ACTWID coordinates this by bringing in resource persons from all domains. ACEFA and HPI does training on various activities like rearing of poultry; CIPCRE and SAP does it on Agro-forestry; while WINHECAM and IRCAFLAW promotes income generation by giving out loans and encouraging women to also save.

Sensitisation

Seminars and workshops are also organized during which grass fields women and youths actively participate and are taught relevant skill, knowledge and techniques.

Education

We also operate an educational and technological training center at our headquarters in Bamenda where apprenticeship and other handicraft products are manufactured and marketed as a means to generate income.

Community Served by ACTWID KONGADZEM

ACTWID serves the rural and semi-urban communities of the grass fields involving women and youths of Bui, Mezam, Menchum, Ngoketunja, Donga-Mantung and Momo divisions in the northwest region of Cameroon. ACTWID functions by holding seminars and workshops through which financial support is given to women and youths. This organization also carries out the following activities:

  • Provides aid through basic necessities to OVCs, IDPs and PLWHA.
  • Counsels OVCs, IDPs and PLWHA.
  • Supports children by paying their school fees.
  • Loans out money to groups, through the system of thrift and loan, who then refund the money by mid and end of every year.
  • Encourages creativity among women and youths by promoting the sharing of skills.

Background Knowledge on HIV/AIDS

In 1985, scientists discovered HIV in Cameroon. It is a virus transmitted from person to person through the exchange of body fluids; blood, semen, breast milk and vaginal secretions. According to Fombad (2002), primary symptoms are experienced at the early stage of the disease; loss of weight, fever, tiredness, diarrhea, strong cough while secondary symptoms is where the patient is down with AIDS, characterized by general infections, rash, hurts, wounds in the mouth, neck and swellings and the armpit. The following data was indicated: Table 1 explains the rate of HIV/AIDS in percentage in accordance to the age group. It shows that the range group 20 to 24 years carries the highest rate. Fombad (2002) further explained that the N.W region had a percentage of 11.5.

 

Anti-retro Viral Treatment (ART)

In December 2007, Mrs. Wendi Losha and Dr. Oliver Verbe did a study in Cameroon on “Linking nutrition and treatment”. They found that the number of adults on ART increased by 25% from 29,198 to 37,018 due to government declaration of free dispensation of Antiretroviral drugs to all in need. The data presented by the government showed the percentage of PLWHA for each range of age group, living on antiretroviral treatment. It indicates that the range 30 to 34 carries the greatest percentage which made up a huge percentage of our target population. ARTEMISIA ANNUA, a plant discovered as early as 340 A.D in China, has been recommended by WHO for the treatment of malaria and HIV/AIDS for individuals not able to buy expensive drugs. Our organization cultivated and processed many of such medicinal plants in our medicinal garden for distribution and sales to its members and the community

Income generating activities

Laura (1997) carried out a study on women and income generating activities in Bamenda. Her report showed that articles such as artifacts, gowns, food stuffs are supplied to ACTWID who in turn sell to “buyam-sellams” in bulk at varied prices. She presented an example of water melon as follows: From the previous data, a bag of water melon is supplied to ACTWID at 9,500FCFA, ACTWID sells it at 11,000FCFA making a gain of 1,500FCFA for each bag. Total profit for 17 bags is 25,500FCFA.

 

UNESCO/SIAO support to African artists

In October each year, a show is organized at Ouagadougou by SIAO and supported by UNESCO. It involves a crafts’ competition among representatives from African countries. Crafts chosen are placed in the hall of fame. Cameroon has been participating, thanks to Mrs. Geraldine Njua, ACTWID representative to Ouagadougou.

 

Fighting climate change by Fon GM III (2010) of Guzang

During a workshop on “Go Green Campaign” organized by ACTWID in 2010 at Ayaba Hotel Bamenda, traditional rulers like Fon Gwan Mbanyamsig III of Guzang who use indigenous knowledge to protect natural resources in the N.W, by placing a taboo on cutting down of young trees, ensuring that the secret forest is not touched during harvest periods to further encourage the members of their fondoms to protect the planet. Secret and sacred forests are preserved, illegal planting of eucalyptus trees around catchment areas is prevented and hunters are encouraged to stop killing protected species of animals during the harvest period etc..

 

UNESCO/SIAO support to African artists

In October each year, a show is organized at Ouagadougou by SIAO and supported by UNESCO. It involves a crafts’ competition among representatives from African countries. Crafts chosen are placed in the hall of fame. Cameroon has been participating, thanks to Mrs. Geraldine Njua, ACTWID representative to Ouagadougou.

 

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