On Wednesday, 17th July 2024, three representatives from the Saika Elisabeth Foundation conducted an exchange visit to the Navti Foundation in Yaounde. The primary objectives of this visit were to gain insights into the operational strategies of each foundation, share experiences, and learn from the extensive experience and
good practices of the Navti Foundation, which has been operating for almost 20 years. Additionally, the visit aimed to identify potential areas of collaboration, reach resolutions, and develop a joint action plan.
During his presentation, Bime Louis, Founder and CEO of Navti Foundation, emphasized that alongside implementing healthcare and vocational training projects, Navti Foundation engages in poultry production, beekeeping, and the production and marketing of Bime Coffee. These ventures generate internal funds that significantly supplement the foundation's budget for activities and overhead costs.
From the comprehensive discussions and visits to Bime Coffee and Poultry Production sites, both foundations arrived at several key resolutions:
Advocacy for Funding: Saika Elisabeth Foundation should leverage its branch in Germany to lobby for funds to support its projects in Cameroon.
Establishment of Income Generating Activities: Saika Elisabeth Foundation should prioritize the establishment of income-generating activities to subsidize the costs of its operations.
Proximity of Activities: Income-generating activities and vocational training projects should be situated closer to the foundation's office or within the same premises to minimize costs and enhance supervision.
Integration of Economic Aspects: Economic sustainability should be integrated into all development projects to ensure continuity in the event of the termination of external funding.
Joint Project Proposal: Collaboratively draft project proposals to secure 100 sewing machines for three vocational training centers serving IDPs and Muslim communities in Yaounde and Douala, as well as benches for schools in Douala and Yaounde.
Donor Engagement: Jointly identify potential donors and submit project proposals to secure necessary resources for the identified projects.
Lessons Learned and Good Practices:
Diversification of Income: Learning from Navti Foundation's model, incorporating income- generating activities such as poultry production can stabilize finances and reduce dependency on external funding.
Strategic Location: Placing vocational training projects and income-generating activities near the foundation's office enhances oversight and operational efficiency.
Sustainability Planning: Integrating economic considerations into project planning ensures projects can continue independently if external funding ceases.
This exchange was instrumental in deepening mutual understanding and setting a clear path for future collaboration between Saika Elisabeth Foundation and Navti Foundation.