Kumbo Kids: April 2013

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Mr/Mrs Neva Mattheiss of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Baltimore.

When I celebrated the tenth anniversary of my priestly ordination on April 19th 2011 in the Church of the Immaculate heart of Mary, two people were particularly touched by my story, Maura Ford, and Mr/Mrs Neva Mattheiss. Maura was an altar girl, and she pledged to give her own help for Kumbo kids which she substantially did. Mr/Mrs. Neva Mattheiss did not only help, but have continued to be of help till now. On Tuesday April 23, 2013, I received a substantial donation from them.

I therefore extend the best wishes of those children whose lives have changed to Maura and Mr/Mrs Neva Mattheiss. The children have promised their relentless effort to pray for you and to study harder so that at the end, they too will be of help to others.

I equally acknowledge the regular support from Mr. Andrew Gutierrez, 6042 Wood Pass San Antonio, TX 78249. Andrew has pledged a monthly support, whic he has faithfully kept. May God replenish your effort with plenty.

Good and gracious Lord, bless and reward these people for their kindness.

Mission Statement

The “Help Cameroonian School Kids” initiative is an outreach program for the underprivileged and vulnerable children living in the most interior and remotest areas of the diocese of Kumbo. The goal: to help children get an education.

We intend to provide the tuition, books and fees necessary to allow these children to attend school. By completing and furthering their education, the children will be able to bear witness that education brings light to a community. Impoverished families may see that education improves the standard of living, allowing people to acquire decent jobs and work towards achieving economic self-sufficiency.

In order to create a sustainable program, the community itself must also acquire certain basic skills such as: 1) Development skills where those who achieve higher education give back to the community and help to promote progress; 2) Initiative skills that teach resourceful and creative problem-solving; and 3) Technological skills to manage ever-changing innovations. To this end, we intend to create a Community-based Collaborative Group in each village involved in our outreach program. Each Group would be comprised of trained men and women who will disseminate information and dispense the available help to the children in need.

We realize that initially classes may need to take place in temporary locations. However, with the support of our donors and in collaboration with the local community, we hope to aid in the construction of durable school buildings where learning may take place. With the help of God, we pray and bestow our blessings upon all those who will support this venture.