Child Sponsorship Background from Mbalmayo, Cameroon

SOS Children's Village Mbalmayo

The SOS Children's Village Mbalmayo was established in Ngalla, a small region located about one kilometre away from the centre of Mbalmayo City (some 45 km from Yaoundé). It is surrounded by tropical vegetation typical to the area and comprises 11 family houses providing a home to up to 100 children. The SOS Children's Village Mbalmayo also includes a house for the village director, an administration building, a guest house for co-workers of the organisation who attend different training courses, and a multi-purpose hall for various activities within the village.

Other SOS Projects in Mbalmayo

The SOS Nursery School, also located in the village, is also open to children from the neighbouring community. It came into operation in 1995, before the SOS Children's Village was opened, and has a capacity for up to 150 children. It consists of 6 classrooms, a library, and several other rooms intended for the administration and director.

The SOS Primary School, which is open to children from the neighbouring community, came into operation in 1997. In its 12 classrooms, a total of 432 students can be taught. The school includes a library with a computer corner and an administration building. As regards their schooling, the SOS children can choose between the SOS Primary School and two other, publicly-run schools. In the city of Mbalmayo there are two other secondary schools: a high school and a technical school.

An SOS Medical Centre was also opened in November 1998 with the aim of providing valuable medical care as well as carrying out various prevention campaigns at a local level. It consists of three check-up rooms, a treatment room, a laboratory, a dispensary, a sterile room, and a reception and administration area. Up to 350 patients have been able to receive treatment at the centre every month since it opened.

An SOS Youth Home was also opened as part of the programme to integrate the young people into society and the working world, which encourages the young people to become independent. The facility was opened in July 2003. It allows the young people to have a certain amount of independence under the guidance of a social-educational expert.

Background to Mbalmayo

Mbalmayo is a city in the Centre Province of Cameroon.  In 2002, the town had 292,000 inhabitants. It is the capital of the Nyong and So'o division. It is located at the banks of the Nyong river between Ebolowa and Yaoundé. Important sectors in Mbalmayo are education and agriculture.