One Abu Dhabi-based organisation is aiming to make a difference in central Africa

Miniature mountains of grey and white powder sit patiently on the red earth, waiting to be mixed into concrete. After preparing the materials, volunteers and construction workers expertly shovel piles of wet cement into metal-framed containers, patting down the material to make strong and sturdy bricks that will eventually make up the foundations of a new orphanage.

The construction of the orphanage is being funded by the not-for-profit organisation, The Born Identity. The Abu Dhabi-based group aims to improve the quality of life for residents in the city of Kumba, by building an orphanage, hospital and school for the
local community.

The homecoming

“I was walking to the market and I saw a group of kids coming towards me and they told me they were hungry,” says Tchewa Herve Brell, founder of The Born Identity.

Not having enough to eat is unfortunately a common occurrence in Cameroon, where poverty levels remain high. According to the World Food Programme, more than 40 per cent of the country’s 20 million people live below the poverty line and 70 per cent depend on agro-pastoral activities for food.

The Cameroonian, who has been living in the UAE for four years, was visiting his hometown of Kumba for the first time since relocating. “I didn’t really know how bad the situation was until I left home and went back. Coming home was really eye-opening for me to realise that this was not how people back home should be living.”

Inspired to make a difference Brell returned to the UAE capital with an idea in mind.

The vision

“The Born Identity says because you are born, you are valuable. We want to give everybody an opportunity to have the chance to become what they were truly created to be,” says Anthony Moise, co-founder of The Born Identity.

Looking to address the needs of the region, the organisation is taking a holistic approach when it comes to helping the larger community, with big plans to help all aspects of society.

Currently the group is focused on supporting the large number of orphans in the city. One of the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of society, children without parents or helpful relatives often find themselves targeted for trafficking and are victims of abuse.

With a capacity to hold up to 200 beds, the centre aims to provide a safe haven for kids in need. Other projects include building a medical clinic for residents and a school with six classrooms.

“We wanted to change the economic climate of the area by providing opportunities,” said Moise. “The developments will not only help the children, but also the adults, and the economy.”

The response

Local Cameroonians have rallied around the cause. “For most people, it has been an answered prayer,” says Brell. “They are very excited about it, there are lots of people from the local community who want to volunteer their skills during the project.”

Donations, both big and small, have made all of the work possible. Pauline Nganga, a resident of Kumba, gave 42 acres of land to the not-for-profit group to begin their mission. Located on the outskirts of the city, the Cameroonian NGO is already making waves in the community as a beacon of hope.

People recognise the group and visits to the country with Born Identity volunteers are eagerly anticipated. In addition to working on the current project, members purchase and distribute necessary supplies and foodstuffs to locals. “We are trying to show people that there is a group caring about them, believing in them and supporting them,” said Moise.

The future

With blueprints drawn out and land certificates being finalised, The Born Identity plans on taking a team of thirteen volunteers from all around the globe (Abu Dhabi, USA and Qatar) to begin laying the foundations for the orphanage in March.

By giving underprivileged and under-represented individuals a chance, the Born Identity hopes to make a difference – one individual at a time.

“If you can affect people – especially when they are young – and give them the right opportunity, the right foundation – then they are just that much more ahead to have a chance to succeed in life,” said Moise.

For more information about The Born Identity or how you can help visit: www.bicameroon.org

Sawaiba Khan