Helps International (HINT), Blogging…

The Post (Buea)

12 May 2008

Posted to the web 12 May 2008

Elvis Tah

About 20 inhabitants of Street Four, Great Soppo, Buea, have been rendered homeless by a fire disaster that occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 8.

The inferno reportedly started at about 8 am after a heavy downpour, which saw frequent power cuts by AES SONEL. The fire completely consumed a plank building, accommodating about five families, within 10 minutes.

The exact cause of the fire could not be ascertained, however, many of the victims attribute the cause to the intermittent power cuts that morning. According to them, when the current was on and off, it caused a spark on the electricity meter that was attached on a board, which ignited the flames. The fire reportedly caught the plank building and rose to the roof.

Were it not of the timely intervention of some volunteers, who probed into the scene and shattered the roofs of the neighbouring houses that flanked the blazing one, all the houses around that area could have been razed down.

One of the victims, Esther Lari, who lost all her belongings, told The Post that she was at her business place that morning, and was alerted by a distress call, only to meet the ruins of her entire household. She said she lost everything including FCFA 130,000.

“I am a mother of four, and right now, I have lost everything including money. Two of my children are prospective candidates for this year’s GCE examination and they have lost all of their books,” said Lari.

Another victim, Elsie Ojong, a petty trader, lamented the lost of her life investments. She said they had lived in that apartment for more than 20 years. She cursed AES SONEL for being the cause of their predicaments.

Meanwhile, Christine Abie Ndie, who suffered minor casualties, given that only part of her apartment, the roof and windows were affected, estimated the entire repercussion to about FCFA 20 million.

It should be recalled that this is about the fifth fire incidence that has occurred in Great Soppo, in recent times.The people of Buea and its environs are continuously begging the powers that be to set up a fire brigade in Buea, and why not the chief towns of all the provinces. They are also calling on the municipal authority to come to their aid through a council solidarity fund.

We are really sorry to get to you the sad NEWS of the robbery incident that took place at the HINT office in Bonduma - Buea, Cameroon.

The unexpected visitors from the underworld buckled into the office, on the night of Friday 2nd May 2008 dawning to Saturday.

Life will never be the same as they made away with valuables that included laptops, air time cards and money. They opened the ceiling from the outside and got into the office through the roof and braked open the doors inside. It is alleged that they could have had a duplicate of the keys of the office looking at the scene of the action.

While we have already reported to the police who are doing their investigation. We pray those who did this nasty act to considerately bring back the stolen articles.

We are pleased to offer you a profesional email address at hinttonline.org with as much as 6GB of storage space (you may not use this up in the next 20 years).

This is a partnership bettween HINT and google.com. You can forward mails from your otther accounts into this one so that you check only one email address. If you need further help, send email to tinshu @hintonline.org

How to check your emails @hintonline.org.

1. Type the following address in the address bar of your web browser: http://mail.google.com/a/hintonline.org and press enter.
2. Enter your username and password
3. Enter the confirmatiton code (if it is your first time to sign in)
4. You are now into your email box
5. Read and reply mails as usual.

How to re-direct mails from your yahoo.co.uk account (or other mail services) to your account at hintonline.org:
(Note: I just discovered that unfortunately, you cannot forward maills from a yahoo.com email account, unless you are willing to pay Yahoo $20 annually)

1. Sign in to your yahoo.co.uk account (or other mail service)
2. Click “options” or “mail options”
3. Click “POP Access and Forwarding”
4. In the forwarding section, enter your hintonline.org email address.
5. Click save
6. Henceforth, all mails sent to your yahoo.co.uk account will be forwarded to your hintonline.org account. What a smooth transittion!!
7. Bravo and enjoy your almost unlimited 6GB storage space at hintonline.org.

Have any problems, email tinshu @hintonline.org for help.

HINT’s relentless efforts in providing ICT to the underprivileged and local community at no cost has been a challenge.we are concerned in serving you better.The installation in Bafia wasn’t any problem at all except that it had a lot of work since only three technicians were involved. Our brother from HINT enjoyed a good climatic condition,while in Bafia.

We are very pleased to have Inveneo as our ICT partner.We (HINT) wish to take a project to supply Buea with cheap internet services, from a single or more Access point(s). We belief with a single Access point (Nano station 2) which is very cheap and efficient it can cover the whole of Buea looking at the sloppy nature of the Town.

This can only be done with your support.

HINT’S ICT Network Technician participates at the on site deployment at G.T.H.S. Bamenda.

The Bamenda deployment was successful, with six technicians including HINT’S representative Ebang Bertrand. HINT was charged with the network topology and power wiring of the main building.The other technicians  mounted the Visat dish on ground.Everything went successful even though crimping, testing  the UTP cables for 25 computers and  introducing guilox to protect and reduce cross-talks between the UTP cables wasn’t  easy. Prof Bob Marsh (inveneo’s ICT instructor to Cameroon) introduced efficient and cheap network tools which facilitated our task.

I learnt so much from this on site deployment. While working with computers that consumes virtually nothing,reduced size,very efficient . I just believe introducing this computers to any local community for any project is  a success.  Prof Bob introduced a software “Deep freeze” which totally eliminates the idea of viruses in computer systems. This experience has widened our knowledge of cisco networking devices and Microsoft server 2003 which were all a theory to us.Now we can put this skills to practice.

HINT IT project Rural Electrification And Communication Technology (REACT) has been selected as one of 145 finalists in the prestigious Stockholm challenge Award 2008 out of a total of over 2000 applicants from all over the world.Here is the information letter as received this week:

Dear Tinshu Genesis Gemuh,

We are very pleased to inform you that the jury has selected your entry of Rural Electrification And Community Technology (REACT), in the Stockholm Challenge Award 2008 to be a finalist with a chance to win the Stockholm Challenge Trophy.

The winner in the Education category will be announced at the Gala Dinner and Award ceremony in the Stockholm City Blue Hall on May 22. The winner will receive the Stockholm Challenge trophy and certificate of achievement and a cheque for 5.000 Euros at that event.

The Gala Evening will close Challenge Week, which will be held at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm between May 19 - 22. As a finalist you are invited to join in all of these events free of charge. We are unable to subsidise the cost of your travel or accommodation but the following parts of the programme are free to all finalists:

Welcome reception on May 19th, at 5 p.m. Six parallel Workshops on May 20th The Open Conference on May 21st Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony in the Blue Hall on May 22nd.

Finalists will also receive: Exhibition spaces Study visits to a choice of organisations in Stockholm Morning and afternoon tea and coffee on May 20th and 21st. Finalists dinner on May 20th

We will shortly send to you a request to login to your Stockholm Challenge account to update your personal details for participation in Challenge Week, fill out a registration page and confirm the names of those taking part in the events. You are welcome to bring as many of your colleagues as you like to the workshops and conference but participation in the Gala Evening in the City Hall is limited to TWO representatives for each entry.

You will then also be able to join the finalists on-line forum where you will learn more about the programme for Challenge Week, find out about travel requirements for getting to Sweden and be able to help decide the topics of the discussions that you and your peers will have in Stockholm.

Once again, congratulations on your success in becoming a finalist in the Stockholm Challenge Award 2008, we look forward to greeting you in May, during Challenge Week!

Kind regards

Ulla Skiden, Director and

Earl Mardle Chairman of the Jury

www.stockholmchallenge.se

The Stockholm Challenge is an ICT for development programme at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). It culminates in the Challenge Week Event, May 19-22, 2008.

We accept the saying that God has no hands on earth but ours, no legs but ours, no eyes but ours, yes and even yours. Come join us to reach the world and the suffering masses around us with your hands, eyes, legs, ears talents, finances… to reach out and help an under privilege Cameroonian.

We welcome Yabua Doris Kanjo to join Pastor Tinshu Genesis, Mrs Tinshu Marceline, Mr. Akembom Pascal, Mr. Eyong Ndip, Mr. Ndum Vitalis, Miss Valluma Vivian, Mr. Bensbate Rene, Mrs Edang Genevieve Menngi, Miss Fabuinkwi Miranda, Mr. Sunjo Manaseh, Mr & Mrs Wamei Alfred, Simon Njock, Simon Ade Manga, etc a team you could happily be part of by filling our online application form or contribute to it online to help improve on the social and economic well being and health of the poor and underprivileged in the society through education skills development and job creation.

What greater love than to lay down your talents, money, time, gifts, for others.

With praise to God and gratitude in our our hearts, we are pleased to
let you know that Marie-Toni Tinshu was born on March 3, 2008 at
7:38pm South Africa Time (6:38pm Cameroon time):

Weight = 2.6kg

Height = 49cm

Head = 31cm

Despite the limited access we hav to internet and the nature of our
studies, we are still determined to keep you informed.

Marie-Toni is a miracle baby because she was coming to the outside
world without labour pains and so the doctors had to do a C-Section
on Marceline for her to be out!! They were discharged from the
Pretoria Academic (University) Hospital on March 5 and they are home
enjoying the Lord and doing very well. Marceline is recovering very
fast from the surgery.

Marie Catto is the wife of Dr. Graham and she has been so gracious to
us since we arrived here. When Marceline felt uneasy and I called
Paul, he came with his wife Toni (nurse) who was so help and knew
exactly what to do with the prolapsing cord that saved the baby’s
life. That is why the baby’s first name is Marie-Toni, just in case
you were wondering why that name.

Her middle name will be Wonderwerk meaning Miracle in Afrikaans.
While I was at home wondering what her middle name should be, I felt
God say Miracle. The following day when I went to the hospital,
Marceline said, why can’t the child’s name be Miracle in Afrikaans.
That was a perfect confirmation. So, the full name will be Marie-Toni
Wonderwerk Tinshu. Isn’t that lovely!!

Wouldn’t you join us in praising the Lord for this wonderful Miracle!

I trust the Lord to be able to share other ministry prayer needs with
you in the days ahead, God-willing.

Photos of our time in South Africa are here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/bueachurch
, if you have some time to see.

Naomi, Marceline & Genesis TINSHU

Cell Phone: +27 785 058 036 (South Africa)

From Monday 17th March, support an orphan  while using the internet.

‘BE A STEPPING STONE FOR AT LEAST AN UNDERPRIVILEGED CAMEROONIAN’.

While at our Internet Centre at Bonduma you could win up to 5hrs of time to work on the internet. All Weekly 5hrs winners will recommend an orphan each for our scholarship award for the 2008/2009 academic year.

Check your tickets  @ the counter  HINT CYBER CAFE BONDUMA BUEA.

Do you know of a better way to use the Internet to help the underpriviledged? Please let us know through your comments below

YOUR ONLINE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE ALSO WELCOMED.

As Cameroonians celebrated the11th of February 2008 as the youth day, HINT, HINT HED, Elizabeth Embry and Rachelle Clune, both from the U.S.A used the occasion to sensitize the youths on the dangers of STD’S and AIDS.

Over 1000 people were sensitized and a good number went home with flyers, male and female condoms and sound education on living a life free of HIV and aids.

HINT was particularly impressed and calls you today to be part of the team to say no to premarital sex as we kick aids out of our community. The HINT members could be seen from all directions in red t-shirts putting sticker (the cross ribbon) on the chest of many sign for a world free of aids.

The Ekona medical outreach with Elizabeth Embry, Rachelle Clune, HINT HED Members and the Ekona medical team which started with HIV sensitisation on 11th of February at the BONGO SQUARE ( Youth day) ran from the 15th - 20th Feb. 2008.

A total of 756 diagnosis were made as follows: Malaria 311, General Body Pains 65, Hypertention 45, Diabetis 44, Typhoid 38, Rheumatic Arthritis/Fever 31, Urinary Track Infections (UTI) 21, Eye Defects 19, Fungal Infections 18, Herpes Simplex (Blisters) 16,Gastritis 15, Diarrhea 15, Cough/catarrh 15, Mouth Thrush 14, Filariasis 11, Otitis Media/externa 11, Boils(Foruncles) 11, Hernia 10, Wounds 9, Tooth Aches 9, Sexual Dysfunctions 8, Hemorrhoid 7, Breast Pain 6, Conjunctivitis 6.

ALL DIAGNOSED WERE TREATED EXCEPT THE FOLLOWING THAT WERE REFERRED TO SPECIALIZED PRACTITIONERS : Rheumatism, Diabetis, Breast pains, Tooth Aches, Conjunctivitis and Sexual Incapabilities.

Despite the presence of 10 medical personnel and close to 8 attendants we feel sad, as all the patients were not consulted, while we also ran short of medications, a real indication that they still need your contribution.

Back Packs 2007 was a huge success.

Last Saturday, September 15, 2007 41 children (mostly orphans) with their families and guardians gathered at OIC Buea for the official award ceremony. The children received Textbooks, uniforms, School bags, School fees.

The Cameroon government was represented during the ceremony by the Divisional Inspector for Basic Education, in Buea, in the person of Madam Lifongo.

We wish to express our gratitude to the following people who donated generously to hep these underprivileged children.

• Kidlington Baptist Church, England
• Micheal & Margaret Astbury, England
• Joseph and Heather Talbot, England
• Ted & Glenys Talbot, England

The award photos will speak for themselves.

ENJOY!!

Back Packs 2007 was a huge success here in Buea.

Back Packs is an annual program through which Helps International (HINT) supports the education of needy children, especially orphans.

41 children received support in the form of textbooks, uniform, school bags, school fees during the award ceremony at Cameroon OIC, Buea last Saturday September 15, that was attended by the Divisional Inspector for basic education for Fako (who also doubles as the 2nd assistant Mayor of the city). She was there in her capacity as the government’s representative. Without this support, some of these children will not be able to go to school and most of them will fall behind in class.

All of this would not have been possible without your support in some way. Together, we can make a difference!! More here: http://www.hintonline.org/news/?year=2007&month=9#Back_Packs_2007,_a_huge_success

The pictures will speak for themselves: http://picasaweb.google.com/hintphotos/BackPacks2007.

Meanwhile, Helen Savage conducted her last HIV Educators Seminar on Sept 2-3 and flew back to England on September 7, having volunteered for HINT for over 3 months.

Photos of Helen’s last seminar are here:  http://picasaweb.google.com/hintphotos/HelensLastSeminar meanwhile you can read more at  http://www.hintonline.org/news/?year=2007&month=9#Helen_completes_last_HIV_Seminar

Finally there is some good news about Food For Funds (FFF, http://hintonline.org/blogs/?p=10) coming up on October 16. A family in Arlington, Texas is organizing an FFF event on October 14, 2007. If you can make it to Arlington, just let us know and we will connect you with them. Funds raised through FFF will be used to help more children go to school as well as help poor rural women (esp. widows and single mothers) start or grow micro-businesses. If you can host an FFF around October 16, please let us know.

Thank you so much for your part in this work and may God richly bless you.

Sincerely,
Genesis Tinshu

Helen Savage conducted her last HIV Educators Seminar this week. She is due to return to England this Friday after volunteering with HINT for over 3 months.While here Helen donated so much of her business and medical skills to HINT and the Buea community as a whole.She spent time researching strengths and weaknesses of micro finance Institutions in Buea. Her research has been very useful in further developing HINT’s micro finance project. Her achievements are many among which are:

• Improvements to Heather’s HIV Training of Trainers’ PowerPoint presentation.
• She conducted a number of HIV HIV Educators seminars.
• She wrote a complete business proposal for our micro finance project based on her research in Buea.
• She wrote an excellent PowerPoint presentation on training micro business operators.
• She wrote a PowerPoint presentation to sensitize a community on Sexually Transmitted Infections STIs).
• Then she prepared another PowerPoint presentation to provide basic hygiene training to a rural community.

See some photos of Helen’s work in Cameroon:

• HIV Sensitization at Mile 16, Buea.
• HIV Educators Seminar in Buea.

The material you’ve written will make a lasting impact in the lives of several thousands of people in the next few years. Thank you so much Helen and we appreciate your invaluable contribution to HINT.

On September 15, 2007 at OIC in Buea, Helps International will award certificates to qualified students who have completed a minimum of 5 modules through our Computer Training Program.

If you need a certificate, you must register with 3000 FCFA on or before September 14, 2007 at the latest. Late registrations will not be accepted.

On the same day, we will also be giving educational support to some of the most needy children in and around Buea.

You are invited to this very special ceremony.

Rice & Stew Very Plentiful (RSVP)