What a ‘Site’ to Behold – ‘Belle Vue’!

Cheers of jubilation filled the air as the ribbon was cut at the official opening of the newly constructed centre in Bafoussam, Cameroon.

On Saturday, 14th May 2021, AEJAC (“Association pour l’Encadrement des Jeunes et Adultes du Cameroun”, who represents Brunstad Christian Church (BCC) in Cameroon), celebrated the opening of ‘Belle Vue’ (‘Beautiful View’), an appropriate name for this impressive centre in Bafoussam which is situated on a hill overlooking the beautiful valley below.

Dignitaries from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EMI Immigration, the United Bank of Africa, the district chief and the mayor of the municipality of Bafoussam were in attendance. The program for the morning commenced with Mr Claude Kue Kamden, president of AEJAC, welcoming all the guests and inviting the mayor and a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to proceed with the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This was followed by a tour of the centre and a presentation in the hall.  The purpose of the presentation was for the guests to gain an insight into the objectives of this building project and the major role the Christian Youth Development Program (CYPD) played.

Mr Claude Kue Kamden and a representative of the CYDP explained the significance of the program to the guests. Hosted in South Africa, the CYDP offers young members of BCC fellowships in Cameroon and other African countries the opportunity of participating in this life-changing program.  On completion of their time in South Africa, the candidates return to their own countries taking with them the Hard and Soft Skills training they received. 

Furthermore, the nurturing of Christian values and principles, as well as the spiritual growth and wellbeing of the candidates, is a vital part of the program, equipping young people to become responsible young adults who have learned to serve and uplift others.  Many of them go on to establishing their own businesses and are not only able to sustain themselves, but provide employment opportunities to others.

It was heartening to hear the national anthems of Cameroon and South Africa being sung during the ceremony; this is an indication of the good relations being fostered between the two countries.  The ceremony was concluded and guests were invited to a delicious lunch to round off the celebration.