An effective partnership between the parish and the college of Bankim in Cameroun

During his presence in Var, the Cameroonian priest assists with the religious services, which are more numerous and highly attended during the summer period. To thank him for his collaboration with Father Pierre, the parish priest of Le Lavandou, the parish community provides significant financial support (collections, sales of local products, and donations) to the Enfants d'Afrique association, chaired by Louis Lagabbe and based in Bormes-les-Mimosas.

A charitable organization also run by his wife Marie-Hélène and a team of volunteers.

Un partenariat efficace entre la paroisse et le collège de Bankim au Cameroun

HOPES It was after a meeting in 2014 with Father Dophta during his mission in Var, and faced with this churchman's determination to open a bilingual college (in France, we would call it a high school), that Louis Lagabbe was deeply impressed and therefore committed himself to the priest. This mobilization resulted in a fundraising campaign at the intercommunal level. Thanks to this initiative, 360 boy and girl students benefit from the teaching of this school, which records excellent results from 6ème to Terminale.

This summer, the association took stock of what has been accomplished thanks to the benefactors and pointed out what remains to be done. “The college is taking off. Since 2018, we have recorded 100% success in the bacs, often with honors,” confirmed Louis Lagabbe.

The Varois traveled to Bankim. They noted the important role of the association in the success and development of the college: “On site, our action appeared to us even greater than ever. Hence the implementation of new communication actions, in particular with the updating and creation of a website and a blog.”

SOLIDARITY CALL The president concludes: “For the future of this educational institution, in addition to daily operations, the project program lists the step-by-step creation of an agricultural section and a canteen, which will be partly free, to meet needs. Indeed, half of the students do not even have enough to pay for a meal, even at less than 8 cents of a €.”

Finally, during a solidarity call, Father Venant Dophta expressed his gratitude to this beautiful chain of friendship: “Thanks to these volunteers, 100% of the collected donations are passed on.”