Jakiri Orphans Education Fund
The Jakiri orphans education fund is a project built on the idea that every child should have the opportunity to go to school and further their learning. Jakiri itself is a subdivisional zone with a population close to 60,000 in North-West Cameroon, Africa.
The current living standards for orphans in this area are harsh and unpromising. Once both parents have passed children who are lucky enough get to stay with relatives of which most don't have the financial means to take care of extra children other than their own. These relatives provide for their own children first, paying for school fees, books, clothing, food and if there is anything left over the orphans they 'take care of' might receive a meal at the end of the day but education certainly isn't a priority. If there are no relatives for the orphans to live with then they face a hard life on the streets and no education in sight as there are no orphanages in the area.
Our have been volunteering in this region for a month now and have visited many villages to gather data on the projects we are working on. Over this period, in partnership with local groups we have located in excess of 150 orphans who live in this zone and are in need of financial support for their education.
In order to attend school you must pay the school fees, have writing materials and school clothes. Textbooks are a luxury not many can afford.
For primary education, school fees vary from AUD$13 to $45 per year depending on the grade.
Whilst secondary education school fees can cost up to $100 in your final year of school.
The writing materials each child needs include;
- 16 workbooks for each subject children study over a school year.
- Pens, pencils, rulers, erasers and other stationary needed to write with.
A books and stationary package will cost $13 per child and will last them a whole school year.
In Cameroon, school clothes are compulsory and there are strict regulations that force children to wear them. In most cases where orphans cant afford or don't have access to school clothes, they can't go to school.
School clothes are a longer term investment with an new set of clothes and shoes costing $17 per child which can last 3-4 years.
The timing of this project is crucial as local schools start back in early September so we need to provide these educational necessities before then. The fundraising campaign will finish on the 28th of August, from there the funds raised will be used to buy the educational resources needed for the most vulnerable of orphans.
It is important to understand that the money we are raising goes completely towards the Jakiri orphans education fund, a project we have initiated. The money isn't going into the bank account of charity that employs administrative staff, nor will it be used for the welfare or hospitality of our team, we are volunteers paying our own way in Cameroon.
***This is a rare opportunity to support a project in which 100% of the funds raised go towards the source of the problem.
In our time here our team have learnt just how important education is in developing countries and the opportunities that are opened for children who have successfully completed school to those who have not. Without a proper education, children face a life without promise or opportunity as they are unable to have a career that can support themselves and their family. Learning to read and write is a gift most people take for granted, but in a country like Cameroon it can transform lifes and lead to a higher socio-economic living standards.
We emplore you to help support this necassary cause, if you do not have the means to donate please share with your friends to help raise the awareness of the Jakiri Orphans Education Fund.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
Harri & Agata
Volunteers and founders of the Jakiri ophans education fund.
