The Lasallian Volunteers in Cameroon

As Gandhi once said "Be the change you wish to see in the World".

Vitalis Ndikum began his Lasallian journey as a young man full of life and freedom. He had an enjoyable position in one of the biggest schools in his country in central Africa: De La Salle High School Douala.

One morning he was called by a Christian Brother to take his position in a poor centre far away from this big city, in a poor village to serve the needs of children in his country. It took him four years "sleeping on a mattress on a floor, eating the same rice all the time" to know how it feels to be poor. After these years in the Mutien-Marie centre in Mbalmayo with his students and the Lasallian Volunteers he now knows that "Until you take on the condition of a poor person you cannot understand what it is like to be poor."

When Vitalis moved to the USA to continue his studies one of his students said, "Do not forget us." How could he forget them, how could he forget the joy, the struggles, the fight for hope that they had started together? How could he forget Africa where:
" 45% of the world's out-of school-children live
" One of the lowest literacy rates exist: only 62% of the population aged 15 and above can read and write
" A child can expect to receive on average 7 years of education: 6-9 years less than in Western Europe and the Americas
" 41% of the population live in extreme poverty, with less than €1 per day
" 63% of the global HIV-infected population and 89% of malaria-related deaths exist

As the economic crisis is affecting the global market, the situation is getting even worse in Cameroon and in villages like Mbalmayo. A contribution of less than €100 can make a big difference in the lives of Vitalis' students. Support from schools like ours can make a difference and change the lives of many young people in Cameroon.

In response to this, we held a non-uniform (jersey) day and the students of De La Salle College, Dundalk raised €750. Vitalis would like to express his deep gratitude and appreciation for the generosity shown and hopes that strong links can be built between our schools in the future.