Friday, November 21, 2008: WPE Wild Planet Ecoproject, had the pleasure of hosting the largest event to date.

WPE Wild Planet Ecoproject announced the newly formed co-operation between the three organizations WPE Cameroon, Betterworld Cameroon and Moderation BDPC (Bioresources Development and Conservation Program). Government Officials, the local Press and individuals of NGO’s, where invited to a celebration at the ‘Biyem Assi Primary School’.

In the morning, the radio station ‘CRTV Cameroon Radio and Television Network’, aired an interview with WPE founder, Wolfgang Heilmann. The children and staff where busy at the ‘Biyem Assi Primary School’, preparing for the event. The fistivities started shortly after 10 am.

As Wolfgang Heilmann’s speech had to be delivered without Microphone, not everyone could perfectly hear all the words. Yet the technical issues where resolved during the event and all speakers and their topics where addressed. Joshua (Betterwold Cameroon) presented the event, whereas Wolfgang was mainly talking to the guests and taking photographs.

Present where Mrs.Aissatou (Wildlife Ministry – WPE Member), Mr. Esua Enow (Ministry for Youth Affairs), an Official of the Ministry of Basic Education, Mrs. Patricia (GTZ), Mr. Ofir Drori (Director, LAGA – The Great Ape Organisation), Mrs. Tangi Julie (Lydee de Mendong School), Vice President of the GPHS Highschool Etoug Ebe, Mr. Anibed Seta (Jumping Jack School), Ms. Komakam (Director ‘Le Printemps’ private School) und Vivian Kimbo Beri (Teacher ‘Le Printemps’ private School) and other individuals.

Journalists from the local press also attended the event: The Herald, CRTV Cameroon Radio and Television Network, TBC Radio as well as the Washington Times.

Mr. Esua Enow, Representative from the Ministry for Youth Affairs, delivered a memorable speech and had the honors to plant the first tree.

Children of all ages from the ‘Biyem Assi Primary School’, have expressed their enthusiasm and interest in creating a better future with small theatre performances, roll play and self composed songs.

Joshu a (Betterworld Cameroon) and Wolfgang (WPE Cameroon) are invited to the Ministry for Youth Affairs, to talk about further proceedings and co-operation between the organizations and the Ministry. Especially appreciated is our plan to bring ‘Environmental Education’ into remote areas of the country.

The ‘Etoug Ebe Highschool’ sent their members of the ‘Environmental Club’ with their teacher, Alfred. They children celebrated on this important day and also performed songs and roll play.

A few weeks ago, the children had already given a perfect performance at school festivities in Etoug Ebe. A network of the different Clubs across Cameroon, will be established in the weeks and month ahead.

The traditional dance group ‘Ndanifor’, was the much anticipated highlight of the event. The musicians brought African rhythms, while 5 disguised dancers whirled at the schoolground. Many children have got a fright first and fled in all directions to the entertainment of all present persons. Then the fright of the children has fast vanished in the course of the presentation and the children were all enthusiastically from that what was going on during this day in their school.

Six more trees where planted and the festivities came to an end at around 1 pm.

The event, organized by WPE Wild Planet Ecoproject and Betterworld Cameroon, was a tremendous success.

The weeks and month ahead:

More trees and plants are available for the school to plant. The students will assume the responsibility of planting and caring for the plants, which they look forward to.

Joshua (Betterwold Cameroon) and Wolfgang (WPE Cameroon) will visit the school at least once a week, to assist in establishing the ‘Environmental Club’ and the nature conservation education. More schools have expressed interest. The participating organizations have a busy time ahead. “Living Earth Foundation’ provided us with educational material, in English and French, which will serve as the foundation of our work.

More co-operations with other NGO’s are being discussed and will soon be implemented.

You may find press releases, fotos and reactions to ‘The Great Ape Campaign – Green Schools’ on the WPE Wild Planet Ecoproject Homepage and Forum.

Wolfgang Heilmann WPE -Wild Planet Ecoproject Team Cameroon

WPE - Wild Planet Ecoproject

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