Inhabitants of Camp 7, in Tiko Subdivision of Cameroon’s South-West Region, have been empowered with skills in producing medicated bathing soap. This activity was part of the birthday celebration of CBS Radio Buea (FM 95.3) Manager, Boris-Kaloff Batata. The event, which brought together approximately 100 persons in Camp 7, Tiko, took place over the weekend in the presence of local authorities.
“I was inspired by the kind of stories I tell,” Boris-Kaloff Batata said. “Having covered stories in the camps, I understand the challenges the people face. As a humanitarian journalist, I thought it wise to take action and not just tell their stories.”
Aside from soap-making, the event served as a platform for the community to receive messages of hope and learn more about CBS Radio Buea. Mbinfast Elizabeth, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude to Batata for choosing their community to benefit from his humanitarian gesture.
CBS Radio Manager, Boris Batata with beneficiaries of soap-making skills
“The knowledge gained on soap production will enable me to be financially independent,” she said.
Camp 7, Tiko, is owned by the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), and due to socio-political instability, the residents, mostly CDC workers, face enormous challenges. The gesture aimed to provide them with a means of earning money to improve their lives.
According to Camp Chairman Ajang Thomas, the initiative was a pleasant surprise. “We were not expecting such an initiative,” Thomas said, highlighting the programme’s significance. “Personal hygiene has been a major issue in our community, and this empowerment will improve the hygiene conditions of individuals, thus preventing certain skin diseases.”
CBS Radio Manager, Boris Batata with kids at the event
The initiative aimed to ignite hope in the individuals, encouraging them to look beyond their present difficulties. The birthday celebration concluded with the distribution of gifts, such as radio sets, and a shared meal to promote communalism.
Boris-Kaloff Batata thanked all those who joined him in realising the project, which he considered highly significant.
By Takang Dorothy
