Members of the Circle of Friends of Cameroon – CERAC – have mapped out strategies to amend their assistance to vulnerable persons in 2017. This was during a festive conclave chaired by the Founding President of CERAC, First Lady Chantal BIYA, on Friday 16 December 2016, in Yaounde.
The 21-year-old humanitarian association held its 24th general assembly, at the CERAC headquarters, with a revived and positive platform to continue its humanitarian activities next year. Amongst others, the group plans to support health centres in Mfou and Idenau, public schools in Menji and Mora, an orphanage in Rey Bouba, and rural women in Menji, Bipindi and the Boyo division.
Activities earmarked for 2016 were also reviewed by the national coordinator of CERAC, Mrs Linda Yang. It was revealed that the “rural women programme” helped in improving agricultural techniques through the distribution of modern farm tools and agricultural inputs. The beneficiaries, it was recalled, have successfully become self-reliant because of the revenue obtained from higher yields.
CERAC equally constructed and or renovated classrooms, health centres and boreholes in 2016. Didactic materials and medical equipment were supplied in localities that had a short supply. Physically challenged people, orphans and old-aged persons also benefitted from the group’s largess.
Mrs Linda Yang noted that CERAC has always been at the forefront of humanitarian activities in Cameroon. She said the association championed a blood donation campaign in Yaounde and Douala to assist the victims of the Eseka train derailment.
Cultural displays by some members of CERAC, musicians and choirs graced the event, which is usually considered as an opportunity to celebrate Mrs. Chantal BIYA’s birthday and the Christmas season.
CERAC is a philanthropic association made up of influential women from the ten regions of Cameroon. It is mostly comprised of members of government, parliamentarians, diplomats, businesswomen, and the wives of top personalities. Eight new members; two diplomats and six Cameroonians, were officially admitted into the association.
