Eco-Ethics International Union: EEIU Bamenda Reports & Letter

Eco-Ethics International Union Bamenda Chapter (EEIUBC) from its inception proved a promising hand of the Union. Since its foundation, the Chapter has vigorously fought to sensitise the public in Bamenda and its environs about ecological problems, practically seeing how Members could improve their immediate environment by planting flowers around houses and public places and encouraging tree planting where necessary. Activities reported include those on the Presbyterian Theological Seminary campus.

Sensitisation
The Chapter has been disseminating information on ecological issues. The main means has been through the distribution of the eco-ethics brochure to students and individuals in the neighbourhood. Every student in the Seminary, as well as some lecturers, are in possession of a copy of the last edition of the brochure. Copies were also sent to environmental clubs in secondary schools: Presbyterian High School Bafut, Government High School Bafut, Girls Vocational High School Bafut, Presbyterian Girl School of Science and Technology Bafut, and Government Bilingual High School Bamenda.
Information has also been passed on via discussions on our online news group, through which members who have access to the Internet can share information and propose new projects.
Chapter Members have visited natural scenarios such as the Ndop plain, the Atlantic Ocean, Mount Cameroon with its volcanic influence, the Bafut forest reserve, Kumba Lake and the Bamenda highlands.
Finances
The major setback that the club is experiencing is that of financing its activities. Presently its running has been solely supported by the Chair. A plan was set for Members to contribute 500 FCFA (0.76 euro) monthly for the upkeep of the Chapter, but it failed, as members were unable to contribute. Executive members also need compensation for transport during outings and out station allowances during sensitisation. All these have been taking place due to the goodwill of the Chair.
Our external representative, Ntuba Fritz of Germany, has tried applying for sponsors abroad, but until this moment we have not registered any positive results.
Office situation
A temporary Secretariat is based in Bamenda at our main office, although much work is done by the Chair and Members in our Kumba satellite. The Secretariat is not fully furnished. The site was offered by a Patron of the Chapter and a piece of land was acquired for a future permanent structure.
Basic office materials are unavailable, like a computer and its accessories or a photocopier. We can boast of furniture and basic writing materials. Print jobs are paid to be done, although money is not readily available (usually when it is needed most), thus hindering the Chapter's smooth functioning. Our secretary, Lum Roseline, has also been of great help.
Zoom Kumba satellite branch
The Kumba satellite branch is based at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary (PTS) Kumba, where it works closely with the departments of work and student affairs. Since each student has been informed about the importance of a healthy environment, it is now a weekly issue to go out for 'human investment' on Tuesday mornings from 6.00-7.30 AM before classes and Fridays immediately after lectures from 1.00-3.00 PM, during which time activities like grass cutting and planting flowers around the hostels and on campus are performed.
Membership
Membership in the club has risen from 30, as of last report, to 57 as of 11 October 2004, with the seminary community inclusive.
Limitations
Unfortunately, membership growth has not been balanced by financial assistance, which has heightened the burden of the few individuals who help in the running of the Chapter. Since the Chapter has no outside funding, we are unable to attend external seminars, while all phone, transportation and Internet costs are born by the Chair. The lack of a computer and other office accessories, as already mentioned, hinder the smooth functioning of the Secretariat. Funds to compensate executive members who put in long hours and energy are also unavailable.
Seminars
We are planning an upcoming Seminar to be organised in the Bamenda Town Hall from 7-9 December 2004, on the theme: 'The environment, our Life'. Speakers are invited from the Provincial delegation of the Ministry of Environment, North West, The Ministry of Town Planning and Housing and the Wild Life Project. Participants will involve a cross section of the public. ('Living Earth' have agreed to partially sponsor this seminar.)
Partnership
We have established a working partnership with EITD Research in Kumba.
Suggestions for help
Given the fact that Members are readily willing to work physically for the propagation of the teachings of eco-ethics, we hereby wish to officially demand for the main office, organisations and other Chapters to support us by financing this Chapter's activity to the tune of 3000 euro (three thousand euro) and to provide a small fund for the compensation of Members for minor allowances such as out stations and transport costs, and most especially in equipping our Secretariat to a modern standard. If transportation means can also be provided and funds to cover our communication bills, then we will go a long way in accomplishing our set projects.

Report, 21 February 2004 (Chair Godwin Numfor)

EEIU Bamenda Reports

EEIU Bamenda has received their copy of the Union flag, which was announced at their meeting on 19 January.

The Chapter is busy completing membership registrations and preparing to extend their activities to the seminary community where the Chair is now studying.

Brochures have been distributed to colleagues and school lecturers.

This page was last updated on 19 October 2004.


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