At official launch of operations: Gov’t salutes creation of Annie Foundation, pledges support.

The commendation and pledge to support the organisation was made on behalf of the Minister of Social Affairs, MINAS, Pauline Irene Nguene, by the Sub Director of Social Development at MINAS, Sandjok Annie Pascale.

This was during the official launching of Annie Foundation. It coincided with the inauguration of its Nkolfoulou head office on the outskirts of Yaounde. 

The official ceremony, organised last Saturday March 30, brought together family members, friends, religious groups and the general public. 

Speaking during the event, the Sub Director at MINAS, Sandjok Annie Pascale, lauded the philanthropic gesture of the children of the late Mama Njiki-Nya, in creating the foundation to continue with her commitment to the less privileged and vulnerable in the society. 

“The Minister of Social Affairs is very sensitive to this kind of initiative as it is in line with the implementation of its mission in assisting socially vulnerable persons. On behalf of Madam the Minister of Social Affairs, I want to congratulate the President of the Board, the Director and all their staff,” the minister’s representative said. 

She also exhorted them to strive for excellence as they carry out their different activities aimed at ameliorating the living conditions of the targeted population, boosting the development and progress of the country. 

“In view of the result and the prospect presented, I do not doubt for a single moment your ability to accomplish the challenge, especially in view of the good quality and glowing profiles of your staff dedicated to the task,” Sandjok declared, while also assuring them of MINAS’ constant concern and support through its local technical structures. 

Inspiration behind creation of foundation

Presenting the life of Mama Hannah Hannah Nkamwa Mbanya spouse Ndjiki-Nya, in whose memory the foundation was created, the President General of the Board of Directors, Dr Patrick Ndjiki-Nya, said they are committed to continue the legacy of their mother, who was passionate and dedicated to helping those in need.

“May we all be inspired by her example and continue to perpetuate her memory, through our daily actions and commitments,” Dr Ndjiki-Nya said.

He further explained that the name “Annie Foundation,” was chosen due to linguistic and cultural subtlety within their family. 

“Although our mother's first name was Hannah, our father, being a French speaker, used to affectionately call her Annie. So, by choosing to name the foundation after this nickname, we are perpetuating not only our family's linguistic and cultural heritage, but also the spirit of unity and solidarity that characterise our parents' shared history,” the co. founder added.

Enter Director of Annie Foundation

The Director of Annie Foundation, Tem Albert Chi, reiterated that during Mama Hannah’s stay on earth, she was noted for being passionate about the education and welfare of humanity. 

“No doubt then she dedicated three quarters of her life making sure that a good number of Cameroonians were counted amongst the lettered in the society. Apart from this, she equally had so much concern for the vulnerable, the destitute and less privileged in the society. No doubt she would sponsor a good number of Cameroonians without telling anyone,” the Director asserted.

He continued that Annie Foundation, created at the behest of Dr Patrick Ndjiki-Nya and Dr Carine Ndjiki-Nya, has as vision to defend the future, protect the rights of children and the less privileged in the society. 

“This will be done in the domains of health, education and socio-cultural aspects,” he stated.

“We are quite aware of this daunting task and what it will take to achieve our set objectives without neglecting the numerous challenges we will encounter,” he said.

He equally emphasised on their commitment to surmount the challenges in order to achieve their objectives of creating positive impact in the lives of the vulnerable, physically challenged and less privileged. 

The Director of the foundation also declared their openness and commitment to working with all stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Social Affairs.

“Minister Pauline Irene Ngene has already shown proof of accompanying us in this project, especially with the presence of her personal representative at this occasion,” he added.

Previous activities of foundation 

Though launched on March 30, the Director explained that the foundation has been very active in the field, carrying out several activities, especially in the domain of health. He cited activities previously organised to mark World Diabetes Day and World AIDS Day. 

“We joined the rest of the world on December 1, 2023, to celebrate World AIDS Day. Since then, we have been very active in the field through our visits to two orphanages, a centre for the physically challenged and visually impaired persons as well as an old people's home,” Chi added. 

In prelude to the launching of the foundation, they also carried out a free consultation campaign on non-communicable diseases and ophthalmology.