Yaounde: Policemen’s Wives Association assists 1,200 orphans of fallen officers with didactics.

The gifts were distributed to beneficiaries at the esplanade of the National Advanced Police School in Yaounde Wednesday. 

Presiding over the ceremony, the Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irène Nguene, lauded the initiative by POWA and thanked the sponsors and organisers for thinking about orphans and vulnerable children who need the most help in today’s society.

“The right to education is one of the most fundamental rights. Without education, the child has no future and is exposed to all sorts of society ills and juvenile delinquency, notably drug abuse, crime and violence, prostitution and many others, Minister Nguene said.

She said by choosing to help children go to school, POWA is contributing to social entrepreneurship, a strategy by Ministry of Social Affairs to help socially vulnerable children.

Minister Nguene further praised the National President of POWA, Philomene Mbarga Nguele, for following in the path of the First Lady, Chantal Biya, is pursuing with CERAC.

Enter POWA National President 

Speaking earlier, the National President of POWA, Philomene Mbarga Nguele, revealed that the donations have started in Yaounde but will gradually spread to other parts of the country. She said for the 2024/2025 school year, over 4,000 orphaned children will receive kits nationwide.

“They are not orphans. They are children of the National Security and we want them to know they are not alone; that they can always count on their fathers and mothers of the police force who are ready and available to take care of them. Today, we offer some school materials that will help them study with dignity and without stress,” Philomene Mbarga Nguele stated. 

She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Social Affairs and other sponsors for their continuous support and contributions to the education of vulnerable children.

“Your generosity inspires us all. We all know education is the key that opens doors to the future. We believe in its power to transform lives, and through this donation, we want to give these children the necessary tools to help them realise their dreams despite the challenges life may offer. Together we are creating significant impact in the lives of this children,” POWA National President underscored.

She said for nine years and counting, POWA has been supporting and mentoring orphans of police officers, some of who fell in line of duty.

“Educating these children is a real challenge. Our donation is a symbol of hope, encouragement and a reflection of our trust in these children. We believe in their potential and capacity to overcome their difficulties and build promising futures for themselves,” she said.

While appreciating the resilience of the children, she saluted the courage and bravery of the surviving spouses, especially the widows.

“The main aim of this humanitarian action is to accompany and support the widows and orphans of the national police. Specifically, we want to support the schooling and socio-professional integration of orphans on the one hand, and empower widows and widowers through training and income-generating activities on the other,” she said.

“We reassure you all that we are beside you for support, guidance and to provide you with opportunities to enable you all become nation builders. You all have the power to become heroes for your families and the society. We believe in you,” she stated. 

Inspiring statistics 

Philomene Mbarga Nguele revealed that for the 2023/2024 academic year, 164 families with 688 pupils, 292 students were taken care of in Yaounde. 

She said they recorded a total success rate of 87% as 709 of the children succeeded and moved on to next class, while 185 were held back and will repeat. She added that 86 of the children are out of the education system and in the job market.

Children urged to remain hardworking 

Addressing the children, Minister Irène Nguene implored them to use what they received well and have the best results at the end of the year. This, she said, was the only way they could make their mothers of POWA who have helped them proud.

“Do not be lazy, take your studies seriously. That is the best way to say thank you. And do not forget that you all are leaders of tomorrow’s Cameroon,” the Minister stated.

On her part, the National Secretary of POWA, Gouleu Sophie Estelle, reiterated that all they want from the children is seriousness and 100% engagement in their studies.

“We told them that their education comes first and that with the right work, they will succeed. The secret of success is hard work,” Gouleu opined.

Orphans express gratitude, promise good conduct

The children all expressed thanks to POWA and its partners and sponsors for not forgetting about them as the world does sometimes.

To show appreciation, they composed a song of thanks to show gratitude. According to POWA, the song will eventually become their hymn.

The representative of the children, final year high school student, Abissi Bolo Leticia, assured POWA that just as it made a commitment to make their lives easier, they have in return taken a decision to succeed in life and make them proud.

Speaking to the press, she said they will always be grateful to POWA for all it is doing for them.

“My heart is full of joy thanks to the support and assistance that POWA has given us. Not everyone thinks of orphans more importantly to help them. I promise to succeed socially, academically and personally. I want to show that even without all your parents you can succeed,” Abissi Bolo underscored.

For university student, Tapa Prady, who has been benefiting for eight years now, these donations help reduce the financial burden on his widowed mother.

“My goal is to work hard and succeed and not repeat,” Tapa said. 

The children further requested for internships during holidays and job opportunities after graduation so that they will be able to help their families.

Sponsors assure continuous support

One of the sponsors, Founder of a communications enterprise dubbed Concept Salaka, Consty Lamine, expressed joy to have been able to help children in need.

“I feel honoured to have been solicited to carry out such an act of altruism under the banner of Concept Salaka. In life, we all want happiness, so I decided to put a smile on the faces of these children of police officers who guide, protect and maintain order in our society,” he said.

Concept Salaka donated potable water and beverages to nourish the children, as well as pens, pencils, books and much more. Consty Lamine assured that they will always be available for help and support. 

About POWA

POWA was created on October 16, 2015, under the auspices of Philomene Mbarga Nguele. The association, which rallies the wives of policemen, has as objectives mutual aid, solidarity and understanding. POWA is also a symbol of federation of energies and synergies of action between members.

The association, since its creation, has been involved in a number of activities, notably the annual ceremony to hand over school supplies to orphans of the National Security dubbed REMASCO before the start of every school year, and a Christmas tree ceremony at the end of every year.

Aside these ceremonies for orphans, the Association regularly makes donations to the medical centre of the National Security for the Centre Region, as well as assists bereaved families.

POWA points out that this is its own way of contributing to reinforce the social life of the National Security, “a great Corps that is dear to the General Delegate for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele”.

POWA has a central bureau that sits in Yaounde and has weaved its web nationwide through regional and divisional branches. It has thousands of members.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3206 of Thursday August 22, 2024