In Summer term, many young people here in England and Wales will be participating in special Masses, assemblies and parties before the big step up to high school! Thanks in large part to Missio supporters, there was another Leavers’ Mass and celebration recently in Fundong Parish, Cameroon. You made the education of these children possible and now the Class of ’25 is ready for their next big step!
Since 2017, ongoing conflict has raged in Cameroon leaving hundreds of thousands of people displaced. In Fundong Parish, Mill Hill Missionaries have continued to risk their own safety to serve the pre-existing community, as well as families who have fled to its relative safety.
In 2019, we asked for your help to support Internally Displaced families who had arrived in Fundong. This was in addition to the local Catholic community providing food, clothing and school fees for their new neighbours.
The struggle to build a future
As the crisis continued, children faced particular danger. Rebel groups were snatching children on their route to school and as a result, many schools closed. Fundong’s school remained open but was soon bursting with refugees. Building classrooms and providing safe spaces became the top priority.
The community inspired us when volunteers dug foundations and made bricks for new classrooms, donating the skills they possessed. But even with the local Mayor’s donation of building material, their impressive efforts were unable to complete the work.
That’s where you came in
Fr Noah MHM reached out to us, and you didn’t let him down. With your donations, his community built new classrooms and ensured children’s education could resume.
In following years, Fr Noah handed over to Fr Léon MHM, who continued leading the community; working with parents and teachers to keep the school open despite the ever-increasing violence. Fr Léon’s youth choir and pastoral projects have ensured children stay safe, within the community, and in school.
The fruits of the labours
And now some of those children are ready to graduate! Fr Léon and his fellow Mill Hill Missionary, Fr Reagan, recently sent us the happy news that, thanks to those foundations you helped to lay, the class of 2025 is now ready to graduate from primary school. The children, who are mostly between 11 and 13 years old, gathered with their families for a special Leaver’s Mass, a presentation and a party. In a speech to students and their families, Headteacher Rosita said:
‘Today is a memorable day for the 2025 class … who are ending their elementary school life to start a new chapter at secondary school… If you are graduating today, it is proof of the fact that you are equipped with adequate knowledge, skills and attitude in preparation for some important role you’ll have to play in society someday. You indeed can be the hope of our beloved country, Cameroon.’
Watch the community’s journey towards a day of joyful celebration!
A powerful testimony of faith and courage
What the children and community in Fundong have achieved, and the obstacles they’ve overcome to reach this happy day, is nothing short of inspiring. We give thanks that, although the conflict continues and the future is uncertain, there is still so much to celebrate today.
Fr Reagan shared:
‘I give all glory and thanks to Almighty God for the remarkable success of our Catholic Primary Schools in Fundong. With 2,020 Children enrolled across four schools and 116 courageous graduates, the Catholic Community of Fundong celebrates a powerful testimony of faith, resilience and dedication.
‘In a region where many schools have been forced to close, we fought to keep our Catholic faith and schools open, standing in our belief that education is the light that will lead our children forward.
‘I am deeply thankful to our devoted teachers for their unwavering commitment in the face of danger; where many teachers have been tortured, they remained determined. I am equally proud of our children who have succeeded despite living through fear and uncertainty. Their strength inspires us all. May God continue to protect, guide and bless our efforts as we journey towards a brighter tomorrow.’
What will the future hold?
Fr Léon sent this message to you:
‘Despite the challenges of war in the area, the children performed very well. There has been good cooperation and coordination between teachers and the manager of the school. I remain so proud of our personnel. I am also proud of the performance of our pupils.
‘Our biggest challenge is the continuation of their education. The majority of our pupils are girls, but at the end of their primary education, many drop because of secondary education fees despite the encouragement we give them.’
Nonetheless there is hope that some of the children will go on to study at the local college, where Fr Léon previously taught. Others will go on to vocational training, such as tailoring. Fr Léon says:
‘Once again, we wish to thank Missio England and Wales for their support both in schools and parish work. Just to remind you that two years ago, you built a beautiful and modern school for our children and enabled much of our youth ministry.
‘We are so grateful to all those who support us and the education of these children. May God bless you.’
Thank you!
Thanks to your generosity, Missio England and Wales distributed £391,615 to children’s projects around the world, supporting 30,300 of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children. With your prayers and donations, Missio can continue to bridge the gap between what’s affordable and what’s needed in poor communities around the world, building a future of hope for children in mission dioceses.
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