BY SIMON NDIVE KALLA
The newly state-of-the art edifice of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Rehabilitation Center of Excellence was inaugurated on Saturday, January 25, 2025 by the representative of the Minister of Social Affairs, Inspector General at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Foreke Valentine Asongtia. Speaking during the event, Foreke Valentine appreciated CBC health service and its partners AFAS Foundation and Liliane Foundation for realising such a project.

“This is therefore a significant proof of your commitment to contribute to the building of inclusive society. The construction of this new rehabilitation training center of excellence is the result of the determination of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Service which is supporting the government in the implementation of social inclusive policy advocated by the Head of State”, Foreke Valentine said.
Foreke said the rehabilitation center will offer Cameroonians especially the youths the opportunity to be trained in order to facilitate the process of helping those with disabilities.

On his part, CBC Executive President, Rev. Dr. Teke John Ekema said the realisation of this project is one of their visions to empower individuals with disabilities and enhance social inclusivity in society. He explained that the partnership with Liliane Foundation has been instrumental to reach about 20 communities with those suffering from disabilities.
“Since, I took office as CBC Executive President, it has been my privilege to witness my team and partners support people with disabilities in Cameroon and promote inclusive development”, Rev. Dr. Teke John Ekema said.
Presenting the overview of the project, Prof. Tih Pius said the project started in 2016 and has grown into a magnificent rehabilitation center of excellence.

He said their partners, AFAS and Liliane Foundations are committed in identifying and supporting children with various impediment and ensuring they have an enabling environment through advocacy, sensitisation, resource mobilisation among others.
Prof. Tih Pius added that CBC Health Service has been dedicated to support children, youths and adults with disabilities since 1952.
Quizzed on the way forward, he said in order to succeed in the project, they need to partner with National and International Universities.
The Director of CBCHS, Samuel Ngum expressed his sincere gratitude to AFAS and Liliane Foundations for funding the project.
“We sincerely appreciate the support and financial efforts and technical contributions from AFAS and Liliane Foundations for bringing this to reality” Samuel Ngum said.
He however, pleaded for his partners to assist them expand the dormitory capacity, advocate inclusion of diploma level graduates in public service, sensitisation of employees to increase employability of graduates, upgrade solar light system among others.
On his part, the Director of AFAS Foundation, Gerben Eversdijk said their mission is to empower children with disabilities worldwide. “It’s important to have this center. It will create the next generation of skill professionals that can support hundreds of children suffering from disability in Cameroon. I think it’s recommendable what has been achieved by the CBCHS and we’ll keep supporting their projects”, he added.
Meanwhile, Erick Akerman, Director of Liliane Foundation said they have been working with CBCHS for over 10 years and it has been a fruitful partnership. He applauded the institution for implementing the project to its fullest.
Speaking earlier, the representative of the Mayor of Tiko Municipality, the Second Deputy Mayor, Elima Ngomba appreciated CBCHS management for executing the project in Tiko municipality. She urged other institutions to emulate this gesture and implement projects in Tiko municipality which will go a long way to create job opportunities.