The peace farm

Blama, the -17 year-old adolescent club president , takes his role very seriously and speaks proudly of the club in Meme, Far North Region-Cameroon.

“We called it the peace farm. We are 5 groups of 5 people and each group has its role on the farm: cleaning, food, water … The money from the sale will allow us to help our friends who do not have notebooks, pens, or money to pay their schooling. Because we think that education is a very good thing for all.” Tom and Modou, both 14 years of age, are happy members of the club who became friends thanks to their participation. They are also sensitive to the fact that there is no discrimination with regard to ethnic group, religion or gender.

As for -13year-old Zara, she appreciates the way children are viewed and also the fact that there are “no differences between the children in the community and the internally displaced children. Everyone is the same here: children of the community, displaced people, boys and girls.”

She is also delighted to have learned some school basics. “I did not go to school in my village. Here I learned to count, recognize letters and write my name. I wish I could go to school now. My parents agree. But for the moment, I cannot; I do not have the school materials, the notebooks, the pens, and the uniform.” It’s a safe bet that she will soon achieve her dream, thanks to the sale of the chickens from the peace farm and the support of her friends.