Berudep - frequently asked questions

BERUDEP stands for Belo Rural Development Project. BERUDEP is a local, Christian, non-profit, non-governmental organization that began in 1991 by the current director of BERUDEP – Ngwainmbi Simon. BERUDEP’s motto – “service to man-kind for the glory of God” – fuels our work in the area of development in Cameroon.

Where is BERUDEP located?

BERUDEP has several offices located in the North West province of Cameroon. The head office is located in Belo. Other offices are located in Njinikom, Fundong, Tombel, Mayo Darle and Bany (the last two being in Francophone or French speaking Cameroon). The offices in Belo, Njinikom, and Fundong are located in the Boyo Division in the center of the Ring-Road (about 45km away from Bamenda). Additionally, these three offices are located in Kom. Kom is an ethic group with a distinct dialect, culture, and history within the North West province.

Where does BERUDEP work?

BERUDEP is currently working with about 153 local farming groups (common initiative groups) in the North West province and about 17 other farming groups scattered across Cameroon. BERUDEP also works with two common initiative NGOs in Nigeria. BERUDEP’s social, health, and eco-tourism projects are located in Cameroon’s North West province.

Who does BERUDEP serve?

BERUDEP works with agricultural and bee farmers in rural and suburban areas in Cameroon (and sometimes Nigeria). We have various social projects that focus on groups of vulnerable individuals such as widows, orphans, and disabled individuals. We also provide minimal free health consultations based on our knowledge of natural medicinal plants (which we produce and sell), and we currently have a free eye clinic. Additionally, we have an eco-tourism program that benefits individuals in various villages across the North West province.

BERUDEP provides all services to the people of Cameroon based on need and regardless of religion, race, gender, age, etc.

What is the main domain of BERUDEP’s activities?

We are involved in three main areas:

1. Environmental Services

Farming
We are involved in improving farming techniques, enhancing crop yields and income obtained from farming, and the protection of the individual and the land by using natural farming and medicinal methods. These activities are completed in several ways. First, we hold training sessions that educate individuals in Bee-farming and the use of bee by-products as an income generating activity. Second, we buy, process, package, and sell honey from local farmers to increase the income of the bee-farmer and market for honey. Third, we train farmers in the use of Vetiver grass as a means to control erosion and improve crop yields. Fourth, we hold training sessions and consultations regarding the use of natural pesticides and the use of natural medicinal medicines as a means of environmental protection and public health. Finally, we are currently developing projects for small animal husbandry and fruit tree seedlings growth.
Eco-tourism
BERUDEP has organized an Eco-tourism program that allows individuals to visit Cameroon’s North West Province and experience daily life as a Cameroonian by staying in one of our numerous home-stays throughout the province. Also, we organize day and overnight hikes, horse riding and other adventures. The purpose of the eco-tourism program is to provide a unique experience for people who are traveling to Cameroon that is environmentally friendly, sensitive and respectful to the local culture, and provides income to the people living in rural and suburban Cameroon.

2. Social Services

BERUDEP organizes and supports various social projects through our Center for Rehabilitation and Education (CREN) in Njinikom. This center focuses on working with women, children, and disabled individuals. BERUDEP organized a women’s group called Women’s Education for Peace and Equality (WEPE) that currently provides the following services for women: health education classes, literacy classes, vocational skills trainings, and women’s rights education. BERUDEP currently provides an Orphan sponsorship programme which includes nutrition and after-school programs (Book Club, Bible Club, and Art Club). Lastly, BERUDEP also provides rehabilitation services and job-skills training for disabled individuals.

3. Health Care

BERUDEP is involved in health care in the Boyo Division in a variety of different ways. First, BERUDEP buys, prepares and sells medicinal plants to the public. Additionally, BERUDEP holds training sessions on the farming, preparation, and use of medicinal plants. Second, BERUDEP holds weekly classes in health education for widows. Finally, we have a history of and are currently working in collaboration with other organizations such as Project Hope in HIV/AIDS education and prevention.

How is BERUDEP funded?

BERUDEP obtains funds through four sources. Firstly, we are partially self-supporting as we generate income through the sale of medicinal plants and honey and through our training sessions for local farming groups. Secondly, BERUDEP obtains funds from larger NGOs. We have a history of having a good relationship with international NGOs such as the UK based Bees Abroad and the Swiss based MIVA. Thirdly, BERUDEP obtains funds for specific projects through grants. Finally, BERUDEP receives income from donations made by individuals, friends, volunteers, families, and groups.

What is BERUDEP’s experience with international volunteers?

BERUDEP has had many international volunteers in the past. Some brief examples of how BERUDEP has worked with volunteers will follow:

BERUDEP is committed to working with each volunteer to make their experience beneficial to the people of Cameroon and to the volunteer. For example, one of our first volunteers was an individual from France. Being that he only spoke French, BERUDEP arranged for him to work with an NGO in the Francophone portion of Cameroon. More recently, an individual from Germany came with skills to help in coaching sports. Being that BERUDEP doesn’t directly have such programs, we arranged such a position with another organization that would allow the volunteer to work with a youth sports team.

We have had short-term volunteers that have become long-term friends and workers. A volunteer from the UK, who originally came to work with us for a short period of time, decided to set up an organization called Bees Abroad that has been a long-term friend and help to BERUDEP.

There have been volunteers in the past with a range of different skill levels. For example, we always have opportunities for volunteers to learn various skills relevant to current projects such that a volunteer can then play an important role in completing those projects. We have had volunteers that have come with qualifications to teach in local schools. For example, a volunteer from the UK taught English; a volunteer from Israel taught Math and Computer; and an American is currently teaching Biology, Math, and English Literature. We have also had volunteers that have come with many skills in development work and have been able to create programs and improve existing programs. For example, a volunteer from New Zealand created our eco-tourism program and a volunteer from the United States created our women’s program WEPE (Women’s Education for Peace and Equality).

What can you do if you volunteer with BERUDEP?

It depends on you. The possibilities are almost endless. As previously mentioned, we have opportunities for individuals with any knowledge or skill level. We have opportunities for individuals to learn skills for a specific program and then put those skills to work. We always need help with office work and administration. We can arrange for you to teach in local schools or help in local hospitals or clinics. BERUDEP needs help from individuals who can enhance current programs such that they are more effective or reach a greater population. Additionally, we are always seeking to create new programs that will further our development work in Belo and surrounding areas. Check out BERUDEPs current needs in terms of specific positions here.

What is the cost to volunteer?

The administration fee is Euro 300 for someone sponsoring their personal volunteer experience.
The administration fee is Euro 500 for someone who is being sponsored by an institution.

Read the full costs of upfront payments and living costs

What is the administration fee used by BERUDEP for?

This fee is a new structure and the informaton will be available shortly. Please feel free to email BERUDEP should you require this information before it is available here.

Where can you live if you volunteer?

It depends on you and where you will be working. Provided that you will be working near Belo, there are two options as to where you can live. First you can choose to live in a home-stay. Second, you can choose to live in the Rest House. You also have the opportunity (in both living situations) to hire a cook and/or a housekeeper. If you will be working away from Belo, accommodations will be arranged given the situation.

Facts about the home-stay:
In the home-stay, you will have the opportunity to experience everyday life with a Cameroonian family. You will live with a family in their home in or near Belo. You will have your own room, which will contain a bed and a table/desk. The rest of the house will be shared with the family. You can choose to live with a small or large family. The cost of rent can differ depending on luxury. For example, if you want to live in a house without electricity or running water, rent can be as low as 5,000CFA per month. In a typical home-stay situation, rent is 50,000 per month, which includes breakfast and supper, electricity and running water.

Facts about the Rest House:
The Rest House is located in the center of Belo (so it is a little noisy). It is quite simple and is much like a youth hostel in Europe – with electricity and running water. It has three rooms. Two rooms are bedrooms containing a bed (with a sheet, blanket, and pillow) and a table/desk. The third room is a shared (with other BERUDEP volunteers) kitchen/dining area. There is a shower room for each bedroom and a shared toilet (with a western style toilet). The rent for the Rest House is 20,000CFA per month (30,000CFA for you and your spouse).

Cooking:
In either living situation, you can choose to cook your own food or hire someone to cook your meals. A cook for three meals costs 25,000CFA per month (30,000CFA for you and your spouse). Additionally, your cook can shop for food for you if you prefer (you will need to provide he or she with money and a shopping list).

Cleaning:
In either living situation, you can choose to do your own cleaning or hire someone to clean house and wash clothes. A housekeeper for twice a week costs 10,000CFA per month (15,000CFA for you and your spouse).

When do you have to pay for the accommodation and cook/housekeeper?

Do not send any money prior to your arrival. On arrival you will be required to pay for your accommodation/services for your agreed period of stay. For your safety, BERUDEP will never require you to pay any money before your arrival in Cameroon.

About Belo

Belo is on the tarred road about 45km away from Bamenda. It is much smaller than Bamenda, but it has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. The market (which takes place every 8 days) in Belo is the largest market in Kom or the Boyo Division. Between the shops and the market, one can find nearly anything he or she might need.

How can you communicate with your home?

E-mail: There is an internet-café in Belo. The price for internet time is 500CFA for 75 minutes, and the connection is relatively fast. The computers have the capability to use floppy disks and USB port memory devices. Additionally, there are spaces available to plug in a laptop so that you can work on your own computer. Internet is cheaper in Njinikom and Bamenda but you have to pay for transportation there.

Telephone: The price of a call depends on where you are calling. If you are calling someone within the country, calls typically cost 150CFA per minute. If you are calling someone outside of Cameroon, there are internet phones that cost 250CFA in Belo, 150CFA in Njinikom, and as low as 100CFA in Bamenda.

Mail There are several post offices in Bamenda. It cost 200CFA to send a card and 450CFA to send a letter. It will take about 3-4 weeks to arrive in Europe or the USA.

How do I get to Belo?

You should fly into Douala, Cameroon as it is easiest to travel from Douala to Belo. A BERUDEP staff member will meet you at the airport in Douala and travel (about a 6 or 7 hour bus ride) with you to Belo. However, you will need to pay for the transportation, food, and accommodation for the BERUDEP staff member to and from Belo. You will be required to pay this money upon arrival. Reminder: you will not be asked to pay any money before you arrive in Cameroon.

Airport Pick-up
1. Taxis in Douala = 7000CFA
2. Accommodation in Douala = 10,000CFA, per night, per person
3. Transportation between Douala & Bamenda = 5,000CFA per person
4. Taxi between Bamenda & Belo = 900CFA per person
5. Food = 2500-5000CFA, per person, per day

TOTAL (for 1 volunteer and 1 BERUDEP staff, based on1 night’s stay in Douala) = 52,000CFA

How can I access my money?

It is a good idea to bring enough money with you for the first one or two months of your stay. After your arrival, you can exchange your currency (in Douala) into Francs. It is best to bring Euros or US Dollars to exchange. Once you are in Cameroon, you can receive money in Bamenda in two ways. First, money can be transferred to you via Western Union or MoneyCram in Bamenda. Second, one bank in Bamenda has an ATM machine that accepts Visa cards. Check online for current exchange rates.

What is the weather like?

In Cameroon there are two seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season in Belo lasts from about April until October with the most rain in July. During the rainy season temperatures are cooler during the day and colder at night than in the dry season. The dry season lasts from about November until March. The dry season is hot during the day and cool at night. It is never exceptionally hot or cold around Belo.

Is it safe?

Cameroon has been politically stable for many years. Please check a travel guide (e.g., Lonely Planet) for a history of Cameroon’s political status. While some cities (such as Douala, Yaounde, etc.) in Cameroon can be somewhat dangerous at night due to theft, Belo and surrounding areas are in a rural part of Cameroon and safe.

Should I take Malaria medication or have certain vaccinations?

Currently, the government requires a yellow fever vaccination to enter the country. Check with your doctor and consult travel guides for other vaccinations. While Malaria is a problem in some parts of Cameroon, it is not as much of a problem in the North West province. In other words, mosquitoes are not very common around Belo. Some international volunteers have taken malaria medication while others have not. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor and travel guides for advice regarding malaria medication especially if you plan to travel in other parts of Cameroon.

What should I wear?

Most Cameroonians dress conservatively. For example, women typically wear a dress and men typically wear suit pants with a button-down shirt. As a BERUDEP volunteer, you will be expected to dress as you would dress for a professional job at home. For example, you will need to wear business-casual attire while working. You will also need to bring clothes appropriate for the climate and your plans. It is advisable to bring a coat or sweater for nights and mornings.

What should I bring?

Essential Items:

Warm clothes for evenings and the rainy season
Cool clothes for day and the dry season
Clothes for work (business-casual) and other activities (e.g., hiking)
Good walking shoes
Any medicine that you might need
Sunscreen and bug repellant

Optional Items:

Mosquito net (not needed specifically for mosquitoes but for bugs in general; essential if you are traveling in other parts of Cameroon)
Malaria medication
Toiletries that may be difficult to find here (although you can find most of the essentials)
Sleeping bag for hiking or staying where bedding is not adequate
Photographs (fun for conversation when visiting people or when people visit you)
Entertainment for evenings such as books, music, games, etc.

A gift for friends or BERUDEP staff members:

Cell phones that can use an SIM-card. They can be given to friends or sold to provide money for the community.
Calculators
Pens, pencils
Toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc.
Games (such as playing cards) or toys
Books of any kind

Supplies always needed in the BERUDEP office:

Computer supplies such as: Laptops, printers, mouse, diskettes, USB port/flash memory devices, ink cartridge (for a Hewlett Packard Desk Jet 500 or Canon Bubble Jet Printer BJ-200)
General office supplies such as: pens, pencils, staples, paperclips, notepads, highlighters/markers

Please do not hesitate to e-mail BERUDEP staff with any additional questions that you have. It is important to ask questions so that you know what to expect when you get here.