Help us improve daily life for the children of St Thérèse Orphanage in Cameroon.

We first visited St Thérèse Orphanage in Obili, Yaoundé, in December last year. Since then, it has stayed on our minds. The orphanage is cared for almost entirely by Sister Marie-Louise, who does an extraordinary amount with very limited resources.

There are 47 children living there full-time, and about 80 local children who come to the small school on site. Many of the resident children have lost parents or cannot be cared for at home. There is no regular funding, so Sister Marie-Louise raises chickens and pigs to help provide food and a small income.

On our visits we were able to help with a refrigerator, stove repairs and food, but we also saw the most urgent need: two badly damaged roofs. When it rains, water comes into classrooms and directly onto bunk beds where the children sleep. The roof over the kitchen is also so damaged that the kitchen had to be moved.

Our main goal is to help repair these roofs so the children can sleep and learn in dry, safe spaces. If roof works are delayed, or if there are extra funds, other essential needs include mattresses and bedding, school supplies, kitchen items, fans, clothing, food, and basic repairs such as water pipes and the generator.

We know we cannot meet every need, but we believe some practical help now can make everyday life better for these children.

Donations will be collected in Australian dollars into our personal bank account.

GoFundMe does not operate in Cameroon. We will then buy materials and items locally in Yaoundé and deliver them directly to the orphanage. Where repair work is needed, we will pay qualified tradespeople directly.

We will share updates, photos and simple cost summaries so you can see how funds are used. We will not give cash to individuals. Every contribution will go toward the needs listed above, starting with roof repairs wherever possible.

Thank you for reading and for considering helping if you are in a position to do so.

If not could you please SHARE, SHARE, SHARE this post so that others might have an opportunity to help these children ❤️

I will post more photos showing how our initial donated funds were used.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Michael & Tracy O’Keeffe