Multipurpose Center

Libraries and community centers are increasingly significant avenues for initiating and sustaining vibrant communities. Libraries connect people to information and help combat low literacy levels, which can reduce poverty and advance development in many African countries. However, public community libraries are generally non-existent in Cameroon, and where they exist, they are located in urban centers and are severely under-resourced.

In the case of the 17 villages that surround Bali Nyonga village in the North West Region of Cameroon, the closest public library is located 20 miles away. This leaves over 100,000 people (including 25,000 elementary, secondary, and high school students) without access to basic tools of literacy and learning —books. Many of these children have never seen a library. They cannot afford to buy books (both required school textbooks and books to read for pleasure). Affordable access to books and all the resources that a library and community center offer is a vital way of engaging young people in reading, advancing lifelong literacy skills, and helping build a vibrant and resilient community.

The Bali MPC will serve as a hub for advancing literacy by promoting the lifelong pursuit of knowledge to a community of mostly low-income and unemployed individuals spread across 17 villages in Bali. Building a community center with the library at its heart is informed by our belief in the role of libraries in promoting lifelong learning and connecting people of all ages to information.

⦁ Mungaka (Bali Nyonga Language) Learning
⦁ Book Clubs
⦁ Childhood Literacy Programs
⦁ Continuing Education Workshops

The Bali MPC will provide access to lifesaving health information, preventive care, and counseling to communities with low healthcare resources. It will offer a focal point for community health promotion activities and other BCA-USA health initiatives aimed at supporting local networks and groups, such as people living with HIV/AIDS. The Bali community has been deeply affected by HIV/AIDS. Despite the increasing availability of antiretroviral treatment, a great sensitization effort and community education about the realities of the effects of this disease is still needed. In addition, people living with HIV/AIDS and their families also need regular counseling and support services.

⦁ HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Programs
⦁ Health and Wellness Fairs

Advances in technology and social media have facilitated global communication, commerce, and innovations. The Bali MPC’s multimedia center will significantly bridge the digital divide of the local communities to larger global cultures by fostering access to contemporary technologies, information, business, and networked communication systems

⦁ Internet Literacy Training
⦁ Computer Literacy Training
⦁ Social Media Communication

Given the strategic geographic and cultural location of the village of Bali, the MPC will serve and economically impact communities beyond Bali. It will also play a significant role in community development by providing access to recreational facilities beyond school hours. The center will enhance economic growth and be self-financed through the commercial use of the conference facilities and offices for community events.

⦁ Entrepreneur Mentorship
⦁ Microenterprise Development