This is an unusual blog post for me, as a photographer, to be writing. At the same time, it is only logical, that I be the one writing this.
Last summer I traveled to West Africa with the Cameroon Football Development Program. My job was to begin documentation of this sports for development program, as we worked with our local team in Cameroon, to train leaders, and launch our program to eight different schools within the Kumba (large town in the Southwest region). If you followed my blog last summer then you will remember the work that we were doing. If not be sure to check out the link to my blog, as well as my posts on the CFDP Blog.
We ended the summer with presenting the team members with four cameras to continue to document the program throughout the year.
Around September, the first camera died. By December, all that was left was one camera, and eight schools to document programs in. This year, we are hoping to expand to 15 schools, and begin to branch out to other towns in the Southwest Province.
This is a gear post. This is equipment that we need, to run or program effectively.
Because I believe in the mission of CFDP, “to leverage soccer, as a sustainable platform for promoting health and social development among West African youth” I am sending over an Olympus point and shoot camera with battery (an extra one if I can find it), charger, and memory cards, and a DVD player so that we can create visual training materials for people that are not in close proximity to our core area of operations.
But that is just a start. Here is a list of things that we need: in good operating condition.
*Digital cameras with accessories. (Batteries, chargers, memory cards, and cables)
We need as many of these as we can get, because of the inability to get them fixed, and the harsh environment, even with lots of care, they take abuse.
*Windows laptops with Microsoft Office, good batteries, and cables. The majority of our work is in the field, and a number of these are greatly needed for presentations, communication, education and general house keeping.
*Flip Video Cameras (or something similar) Digital is important because getting things converted for sending can be very difficult. However, HD is not needed because trying to upload HD footage could take days.
*Projectors are important for showing large groups of students, as well as group education.
I am donating one, so most likely we need three or four more.
These items are crucial to our being able to promote, educate, and document this program effectively.
All donations are tax deductible, and your help is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, or would like to Get in the Game or Donate Gear please contact me, or email founder Justin Forzano: justin@cameroonfdp.org
