Transforming African Communities
Giving back through Education
Giving back through Mentorship
Giving back through Leadership
Mendem Foundation Inc is a 501(c)(3) EIN: 85-4155902 | Buford, G
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Results are in
At Mendem Foundation, we are thrilled to share the results of the recently released GCE examinations. Our scholars who sat for the A-Level exams achieved a 100% pass rate, a testament to their hard work and resilience. While two of our O-Level scholars did not make it this time, their journey reminds us that progress is not always linear – and that our commitment to walk alongside them remains unwavering.
These outcomes reflect not just academic performance, but the transformative impact of opportunity, mentorship, and community support. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to educate, empower, and equip the next generation of leaders in Cameroon.
TLA Bootcamp 2025
Over the summer, 40 Prefects from Lourdes and 40 from SAHECO into Buea for a powerful “House Feast” in the form of the TLA Bootcamp – a one-week leadership and mindset training organized by Mendem Foundation. This was a great chance to give back – not just to our schools, but to help shape the future leaders our country desperately needs. It was a success beyond measure.
Big shoutout to those who donated and continue to donate to the Foundation.
Emotional Wealth Movement Seminar
This week was no ordinary week as Mah Asobo Mekolle paused a busy schedule to sit with Mendem Foundation staff, Royalty World staff, and several scholars to discuss important mental-health issues affecting young people. We’re especially grateful to Royalty World, who graciously hosted the 2-Day event and helped make the conversation possible. Her visit – the first in a planned series – kicks off a community-focused campaign to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and expand access to mental-health education. We’re grateful for Mah’s leadership and excited for what’s next.
Honoring a Legacy Through Literacy
Recently, we had the 5th anniversary of the passing of Br. Norbert Simms, a beloved mentor and educator whose legacy continues to shape the lives of countless SHESANS. In his honor, Mendem Foundation, in partnership with our dedicated implementing partner Royalty World, proudly launched the inaugural Br. Norbert Simms Spelling Bee Competition.
Between March 25th and April 10th, the competition brought together 11 primary schools and 9 secondary schools across the Bolifamba area of Buea. Through a series of school-level preliminaries, intense knockout rounds, semifinals, and an exciting final event, students showcased their passion for English and excellence in spelling.
Winners received well-deserved cash prizes, but beyond the awards, this initiative stood as a celebration of learning, empowerment, and the enduring influence of a man who believed deeply in education.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our generous donors – especially Mishe Paul Atang and Dr. Cletus Moma – whose generous financial support made this possible. Special thanks also to Mishe Fonka Mutta for ensuring that CRTV captured and produced this inspiring footage. Stay tuned – our full video documentary is in the works, and we can’t wait to share the incredible journey of these young champions with you!
In Loving Memory of Mrs. Nicoline Sei Awamo
It is with profound sorrow that Mendem Foundation announces the passing of Mrs. Nicoline Sei Awamo, who left this world earlier today, leaving behind her three young children.
We first came to know Nicoline in 2023 following the tragic and untimely death of her husband. In the face of immense grief and hardship, she demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience. Through our Economic Empowerment Project, we supported her by helping establish a small provision store to ensure a sustainable livelihood. We also had the privilege of sponsoring her children’s education, offering them hope for a brighter future.
Sadly, Nicoline succumbed to complications related to tuberculosis. Her passing marks not only the loss of a brave mother but also leaves her children orphaned at a tender age.
We kindly ask you to keep Nicoline and her children in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. For those moved to extend further support, donations can be made using the information below. All contributions will go directly toward her burial arrangements and the ongoing care of her children. Thank you for standing with us as we honor Nicoline’s memory and continue to uplift the lives she leaves behind.
May her soul rest in peace.
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Upcoming Events
Essay Contest (2nd Edition)
- 8:00 am- 12:30 pm
- Buford, Georgia
Mendem Foundation is excited to introduce the second edition of its essay contest, which will engage scholars from Bamenda, Buea, Limbe, and Yaounde. Prizes will be granted to the winners upon conclusion of the competition.
https://youtu.be/ItqHesE-mj8?si=CkmaNpcuiIzeQ3at
Upcoming
Career Parents sign up
- 8:00 am- 12:30 pm
- Buford, Georgia
The Foundation has a Career Parenting Program that connects children with “adoptive parents” who help prepare them for a future of positive impact. We started with 14 participants in 2020 and have close to 100 participants today
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kas7ads0q-w
Ongoing
Period Poverty Annual Drive
- 8:00 am- 12:30 pm
- Buford, Georgia
Ongoing
Updates
This July 13th to 19th, the serene grounds of the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Buea will host a truly transformative experience: a joint Bootcamp for the Prefects of Lourdes and SAHECO (40 from each school). Organized by the Mendem Foundation in partnership with Royalty World and Lead From The Heart, this is more than a leadership training — it is an investment in the future of Cameroon. These 80 young leaders – drawn from two of the nation’s most esteemed institutions – will be immersed in self-leadership, servant leadership, and nation-building principles. Through this Bootcamp, we aim to equip them not only to serve their schools today but to become visionary changemakers who will lift their communities and country tomorrow.
TLA debuts in Lourdes
Upcoming
TLA Follow-Up Refresher
Ongoing
Career Parents sign up
The Foundation has a Career Parenting Program that connects children with “adoptive parents” who help prepare them for a future of positive impact. We started with 14 participants in 2020 and have close to 100 participants today
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kas7ads0q-w
Ongoing
Leadership
Our optimistic Leadership
Jeffrey Chenyi, M.D., ABFM
President
Jeffrey Chenyi, M.D., ABFM
President
Dr. Jeffrey Chenyi has been a medical doctor in the USA for over 10 years as a primary care physician. He earned his MD degree from St. Martinus Medical University, after which he proceeded to do his residency at Mclaren Medical Center /Michigan State University where he trained as a primary care physician. He currently works as a Hospitalist, ER physician, and as the Medical Director of Russellville Hospital Medical Clinic and Family Care First Urgent Care. Dr. Chenyi is also the chairperson of the quality improvement and risk management committee for Russellville Hospital.
He is the Portfolio Manager of the Mendem Investment Group, a registered LLC in the US; where he brings to bear his managerial skills from the hospital and from leading the Chenyi Charity in Cameroon. The Charity has been positively changing the lives of underprivileged children from HIV affected families for more than 20 years. The Chenyi Charity also co-sponsors and co-manages Ebeneza Life House of Hope Foundation, in Benin state of Nigeria.
Dr. Chenyi is a passionate believer in financial independence. He works tirelessly to make that reality true both for himself and his community at large. Jeffrey believes at heart that it is both right and morally incumbent on all those who have been blessed beyond their basic needs to reach out, lift someone less fortunate and enable them to breathe a little easier. He also firmly believes in the power of leveraging community as a platform for greatness in society.
Frederick Dzekashu
Vice President
Frederick Dzekashu
Vice President
Mr. Frederick Dzekashu is a trusted advisor in corporate governance and risk management. Frederick has led multiple efforts advancing internal controls, financial services, and business operations. His experience has given him a firm grounding in public service reform, risk management, and exposure to international organizations leading public administration and economic development.
Mr. Dzekashu’s career spans over 13 years, transitioning from private to public sectors with Federal and State Financial Management expertise. His consulting history consists of United States Agency for International Development, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor, Department of Treasury, Government of the US Virgin Island, etc. Currently a Financial Program Specialist at the Federal Government, he is a passionate fraud and risk expert, practitioner, and leader committed to organizational development with tremendous business acumen in developing strategic plans, performing organizational assessments, and applying organizational development techniques to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of business operations.
Mr. Dzekashu earned a Master’s in Information Assurance from University of Maryland University College; Master of Business Administration (Financial Management) from Southeastern University; and Bachelor of Laws from University of Buea. He maintains two professional certifications: Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Internal Controls Auditor. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious all-boys Sacred Heart College, Mankon; similar to the founding members of Mendem Foundation. Frederick enjoys traveling with his wife and daughters.
Jude M. Kijem B.Sc. (Econs)
Treasurer
Jude M. Kijem B.Sc. (Econs)
Treasurer
Jude M. Kijem has been a Fund Accountant for over 13 years. He is a supervisor with a focus on asset reconciliation and reporting. He loves crunching numbers and the minutiae of accounting. He is also Co-Founder and CEO of KijoMediaWorks.
Mr. Kijem completed his secondary and high school education at the renowned all boys Sacred Heart College Mankon, which is the common thread tying architects of Mendem Foundation. After Sacred Heart he proceeded to the University of Buea where he graduated with a B.Sc in Economics, ranking top 5% of his class. He later earned a scholarship to pursue his MBA (Focus on International Business) in the United States of America.
Jude has naturally and effortlessly emerged as a formidable and accountable leader among his Sacred Heart College classmates fondly known as Mendem. With a big heart for giving back, he has led and coordinated many philanthropic outreach activities and fund drives to help fellow classmates who need a shot in the arm. He has been a founding champion of the Mendem Foundation initiative. Jude has an excellent track record in providing transparent accountability to donors.
Jude’s passion for charity work is greatly inspired by his upbringing with much credit to his family especially his dad and mother-in-law.
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