This trip has been emotionally draining on all of us. We’ve spent two weeks in the valley listening to the hardships of the villagers and gathering information in order to compile a medical plan. These assessment trips are necessary and we can’t do our work without them, yet they are very taxing on our souls.
Normally on our trips to Africa, we’re advancing or announcing projects, but this trip is all about listening and studying. Some amazing progress will come out of the information we’ve gathered, but it will take years to see results. We need some good news…
All of us are sitting quietly in the van, low on sleep and morale. Our last stop is the Buea School for the Deaf. I haven’t been here before, but have heard so much about it. It was opened years ago when a Cameroonian man and an American woman (both deaf) got married and took five deaf children into their home showing them that they could communicate, learn and find their place in society.
For the kids, it opened up their world and they felt like they belonged again. The Bibums started an outreach program – going to the streets, villages and communities to find other deaf children (who were often shunned because of their deafness). The compassion, determination and unbelievable generosity of these two people has paid off and the school now has 110 students.
Within minutes of meeting Mr. Bibum, I know that we’ve been brought together for a reason. There is a kindness in his eyes that allows me to immediately believe and trust in him, which I’m sure translates to the children when they arrive at the school, so far from home, to start their new journey.
He gives me a tour of the school, which as worn down and dirty as the orphanages we’ve seen on our trip. The children study in the grungy dark classrooms during the day, then push aside the desks to sleep on the cold floor at night. Mr. Bibum introduces me to the children and they are vibrant, bright and curious. All of these children and the school is silent; everyone communicates through expression and sign.
When I ask about funding sources, Mr. Bibum explains that they’ve been trying for years to raise money for a new facility, a place with more space for the children that will be a better environment for learning. They have a sponsor in the USA who is willing to donate $25,000 if another donor will match it. At this point, they aren’t sure if that other donor will ever be found.
The attached video shows Mr. Bibum’s reaction when I told him that the Obakki Foundation will be donating the $25,000 required to make his dream a reality.
Today was a great day and my heart is full again.
Tags: Africa, Cameroon, Deaf, Obakki Foundation, School, Treana Peake
That is so AMAZING!! Love it when you can make a dream come true for a man who has commmitted so much of himself these children already!! Now, I cried – Thank you Treana for sharing that moment with us, you are a special person with an outstanding organization
For some reason couldn’t see the video – but I don’t really need to!! I gasped out loud when I read the last paragraph, what a wonderful gift to able to give. Well done you and to all who have donated. xxxxx
Wonderful!!
Marvelous!! Thank you Treana! This truly warmed my heart
How wonderful – tears flow. AGAIN! But for a much happier reason! How wonderful. Och, this has just made my day! Bless you all at the Foundation and this amazing chap and his wife.XX
Thank you for sharing this moment with us Treana – your story brought me to tears before I even watched the video – what a great feeling that must have been for you, I know it uplifted me. How wonderful it is to be able to help such a giving couple and all those deserving children. Good for you and Obakki Foundation!
Wow, that’s great Treana. I am very moved.
you are amazing!
Thank you for sharing this story with us. It is an amazing gift that you and your organization have donated. Congratulations on your accomplishments.
Okay you have me crying again. That is so wonderful that you are going to donate the money to help them out. What they are doing is so great, they really need something like this. You are amazing!
These are beautiful images that we would like to see every day!!!
The emotions of Mr. Bibum show how much he’s a wonderful person!!!
He’s doing great things for these children!!!
Awesome job Treana- can’t wait to hear all about the trip-I am ready to go back soooon! The humanity and spirit in this kind of experience is worth so much more than you can ever give back! Talk to you soon- Kristy
They say money can’t buy happiness….but sometimes it can when it is pointed in the right direction!!! I love what you are doing Treana!!!
Treana,
My brother-Aloy’s emotional reaction to your generous gift speaks louder than words indeed! It definitely makes his dream a reality and keeps hope alive— the African Deaf Child will not be left behind.
On behalf of BSD and the Bibum family:
‘I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks’.
- William Shakespeare
WOW!!! Is all I can say!! What a wonderful, inspirational women you are Treana… What you are doing is truly a gift from above!
Treana,
I am a very CLOSE friend of the Bibum family. Ann and I were in College together. As she will tell you I was her first American friend and she my first African friend! We are sisters for life. Aloy of course is my very special brother! I hope to go to Cameroon one day and help! Thank you and God bless you for your most appreciated gift to the school!
Treana,
Your gift brought tears to my eyes. We visited the school on our first trip to Cameroon with Ed. and were so impressed with the caring and learning that was taking place there.
Many thanks that Obakki & ICA are working together. So much has happened since our first trip to Romania. You are making a Huge difference.
CJ & Howard
Treana,
Ann was my elementary school teacher and currently a family friend. I hope to meet you someday face-to-face to say thank you.
I am pleasantly surprised and puzzled but I have always believed that the good deed is usually done by somebody on whom you have no claim. I also believe that silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone hence I can’t help to say to you that your kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Cheers!!