Social Vocational Training Centre (SVTC) Shuf-Meluf/ Kumbo

Directress:	Theresia Herbe Ngocan
Lecturer:	Afoni-Afoni Kuiyen
Sewing workroom:	Marceline Kinyuy
Carpentery workshop:	Clestins Tombir
Publicity Officer:	Christopher Shey
Employee:	Oliver Lukong
Contact:	svtcenter@yahoo.com

Teachers and pupils from SVTC in May 2007

The vocational education centre was founded in 2003 so that the young people of the village Meluf (about 4,000 people) have a chance of vocational training. In rural areas the majority of people work in the agricultural sector and have almost no additional income. Thus it is not possible for the farmers to ensure secondary education for their children. Normally the children have no other chance then to help their parents but in the farm. The average number of children of 5 or more per family means that the income of the farm cannot cover all costs anymore. The young people fall into the vicious circle of poverty.
The training centre aims to counter this vicious trap. In 2006 a school was built with the help of the British High Commission. Land was donated by the tribal leader, the Fon of Nso. Today, the centre trains 40 students with three teachers. Depending on the family situation, the school sponsors the students or gets a low fee. When visiting the centre in May 2007 the number of students increased, but they had only inadequate working equipment. Two of the four sewing machines and the two weaving machines were broken. In the carpentry section, there was nothing but two saws and a few other devices such as hammers and nails. No plane, no wood saws, clamps or more precise tools.
After consultation with the supervising Peace Corps Volunteer Cherie Mennel, we considered to assist in the repair of sewing machines and buying of carpenter tools, so that more effective teaching was possible. Two sewing machines for ten girls does not produce a learning environment where young women can learn something.
The teachers and students were very grateful and in the school year 2007/08, the enrolment in the carpentry workshop noticeably increased.

Repair of sewing machines in June 2007

Girls at a knitting machine

Tools