Off to the store

We in our western society know the concept - shopping mall and it conjures up a picture in our minds when we talk or think 'shopping'.

Certainly here in the Netherlands we are comfortable with and used to the weekly market for fresh food as well as clothing and other needs. For some a weekly habit, others a lifestyle and others a curiosity. But definitely a part of our heritage.

In the village where Jaap en Joke Bloeme spread their support and good works - life looks somewhat different though yet the same.

For many a visitor to this area there are sights that amuse, surprise and show the difference - it certainly can leave lasting impressions.

Wakey wakey - we are back.

It has been quite some time since the last post about the good works done by the Gofua Foundation.

That doesn't mean there hasn't been any support for the children en the people for which the Foundation works hard to improve living standards.

It means the the writer of these messages has been so busy with other projects that the space to do so just wasn't available.

But, here we are, back on track

The Foundation ( Joke and Jaap) still working hard to keep the money train going, the piggy bank filled and the projects supported. That hasn't changed and didn't stop.

A New Year, a fresh start and more projects and tales to tell.

Keep watching this space, please too, continue your support and let 2015 be a WOW FACTOR year.

It is weekend

Saturday 30th October 2013. What a week it has been. The days have flown by. It is Saturday morning and we first call in to the Prescafé where we had a wee chat with headmaster Henry. After we drained our coffee cups we went off to market. Always an experience worth having. Colour, spices, noise, meat, fish, people. Oh such a sight to behold.

Saturdays holds an extra attraction- the Hairdresser. No one on one treatment. The women are lined up  in a row and cut and braided collectively. Quite an amazing sight.


Sunday, a day of rest of prayer and R & R. A small group of us went to the church service, we turned up a wee bit on the late side so only managed to attend part of the service- still we were there.

We hadn't planned a gathering- everyone was free to do their own thing. In the afternoon Jaap and I went for some refreshments to the Veteran Café. The beer was cold and thirst quenching.

Our evening meal was provided by sister Rose, Just our venture there was an experience I wouldn't have wanted to miss. what an expedition. I was glad we finally arrived in tact. What made it al worth while was the food- the most delicious fish meal EVER in all of Bamenda. We traveled back via a better route-thank goodness!

Off to Ndop

Today we want to spend some time with the women in Ndop. These women have collectively hired about 5 hectare of fertile fields where the aim to cultivate beans and corn. Once they are more settled in what they do, they want to expand their range.

The group we met consisted of approx 25 women. A few of these women had leadership tasks one of whom almost finished her agricultural diploma.

Generally the yield is used for own consumption, the rest is sold to supplement incomes and buy new seeds. A win win situation.

We thoroughly enjoyed meeting these keen and dedicated women. Once again we were impressed with their perseverance, commitment and fortitude.

Later that afternoon we made our third school visit and not unexpectedly we again enjoyed the visit immensely. One of the children hogged my lap and others crowded around Jaap en Hans receiving lots of attention.

All in all another satisfying and thought provoking day!

With Bertrand to Belo

In Belo we visited a high school. The school boasts 600 pupils some of which have a hearing impairment. Bertrand is one of the teachers their. He wanted us to see how the school operated and felt honoured to be able to accompany him to the school.

Here the students with hearing impairments are not isolated. They are in combined classes with their peers. All students are capable of using sign language so there is no communication barrier. During a lesson the teacher verbally explains the lesson material and then a classmate/student translates it into sign language for the other students. It is quite amazing to see how these student interact with each other. Impressive.

Our arrival called for an official sort of welcome. In the chapel we were greeted with song and dance. The deaf students also performed and there was a teacher available who translated all which was said. Everyone joined in- no exclusions.

After this warm greeting we were given a guided tour of the school and it's grounds. Bertrand had requested we might take upon us the care for 10 students. Find sponsors for them. We took photos of these students, it was a fun meeting. I think I am going to have to dive into the sign language culture and make it my one. I think I will be needing it in future.

We returned to Bamenda and the Centre where we were housed and shared a night

cap with Mr Fon and Tanyl. They were extreme curious as to our experience in regard to the iPad and wanted to know all that had transpired yesterday.

We treated ourselves to a lovely dinner in a restaurant behind Commercial Avenue- and

dived into bed for a restful sleep and energy top up!

A hectic full on satisfying day

It is the Thursday 24th of October. After a hearty breakfast we started the day with renewed optimism and energy. We sorted some of the items we brought for people and then proceeded to the Prescafé for a meeting with Henri and Irene. Irene had a lot of the information we needed on paper ( seeing my iPad was missing) that was helpful indeed and a much needed support.

A small contingent of people left from the Prescafé to go to the Wakka Centre. As I wasn't part of the party and it wasn't necessary to return to the Baptist Centre, I stayed behind and enjoyed a lunch. Because we have made a few trips here now and we frequent the Prescafé on occasion, we feel quite at home here and get to know the locals better each time.

Here  comes what happened next:

When my iPad was stolen yesterday we learned from one of the staff that there is only one Apple store in Bamenda. We rang there to notify them that my iPad had been unlawfully taken, just incase someone came to ask how to solve ' a possible login problem'

While waiting with Betrand, Marianne and Hans for Jaap and Peter-Paul to visit the school the owner appeared and started a conversation. I suddenly had a brainwave and asked him if he knew where the Apple store in town was. And wouldn't you know it- it was almost across the street from where we sat.

After Jaap returned from his visit to Wakka I suggested we may just pop into the store to put a face to the claim that we were the owners of the allegedly 'borrowed'  iPad. As it turned out someone had been in requesting a new password  for the iPad. The staff had, after sending the person home asking him to return later, informed the police who in turn picked up the young man and the iPad was given to the police. At this point they weren't aware we had been the victims of the alleged theft.

We were told to which police station we needed to go. As we were curious to know if this was MY iPad we immediately proceeded to go to the police station accompanied by Bertrand. At the counter the staff were in the dark about all the events and sent us elsewhere to another police station with our questions. There too they were totally in the dark. But, they did want the Apple Store phone number.

Off we toddled back to the Apple Store. There they gave us the name of the inspector we needed to contact. Back we toddled again to the police station only to be told the said inspector was in a meeting and be available after 16:30.

Hi ho hi ho it was off to our second school visit we go- we may as well keep our schedule going. We do after all have the care for a second group of children who also deserve our attention.

After our visit and the photo session we returned to the police station. We were put on hold again. Our patience being sorely tested. Finally the inspector arrived. We filled in the necessary paper chain and had to prove ownership of the iPad. Wouldn't you know it, no WiFi at the police station ppffff...!! Off to the Baptist Centre we trot with the police on our heels. We successfully started up the iPad and on screen was the message Jaap had placed telling of the alleged theft together with his mobile number. When Jaap could prove to the inspector that this was indeed his phone number the iPad was returned to us as rightful owners. We closed the session with coffee all round as a somewhat larger curious crowd had gathered to follow the proceedings.

Peace and justice al last- we could relax. Hoera hoera!!

Day one: off to school

Our first day in Bamenda started on a cheery note. After breakfast a meeting with Mr. Fon and Mr. Tanyi. It was a catchup conversation about all we have experienced and plans were made about all we hope undertake while here.

After they left a not so nice incident took place: iPad gone!

This is how it happened.


While we were in discussion with Mr. Fon and Mr.Fanyi I used my iPad, which doubles as my diary these days. Once the gentlemen left i closed my iPad and tucked it safely into my bag.

During our talk a young man had entered the room and had taken a seat to far from where we were seated. Not unusual for a place like the centre- it is a coming and going of individuals all day long. Quite public in fact. Also, there was a rather large meeting being held as well.

The young man appeared to be waiting for someone so we paid him little attention, thinking he knew his way round and was expected. After our conversation had ended one of our friends asked me something - I stood up, leaving my bag on the seat and talked to her. This exchange lasted no more than a few minutes- I turned back to the seat, packed my bag a realised the iPad was missing. You had guessed that much hadn't you? We asked around, also noticing the young man was missing and it appeared no-one knew this person. A complete stranger to them all. They actually thought he was part of our party.

We approached security whom in turn informed the police. Our main hope was- that the iPad would be found. So irritating and unsettling. Also because all our data was on the iPad, appointments, information and contacts. To be continued.....

Time had come to visit the school we had scheduled for today. That was one of the highlights of the day. The welcome once again heart warming. Jaap en Hans also received big hugs. After a meeting and conversation with the principle Henri and our support person Irene we made a group photo. Always nice to look back on later.We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and all the activities we witnessed. The carers appeared to become more relaxed and open in their sharing with us- and the personal questions relating to our health and travel experiences were fired at us in quick tempo. We shared some refreshments with Henri and Irene and returned satisfied to the Baptist Centre for dinner.

All in all a positive day with more highs than lows!