STEM Education through Basketball

Dear Supporters,

We want to thank you for your continued support to help implement our ongoing projects in Africa. Our third edition of basketball camp called ‘’DREAM BIG’’ took place the weekend of February 6 and 7th, 2021 at the College Socka Bongue.

Adequate infrastructure and basics sport accessories and equipment have always been a challenge when it comes to organizing a basketball camp in Africa. The basketball field at our partner school needed some renovation. In preparation for this event, we renovated the field and added two basketball hoops.

As most sport activities are played outdoor in Africa and the conditions are not the best for cheap shoes, we brought dozens of boxes of basketball shoes, bags, socks and other basketball accessories. All these items were donated to the coaching staff and campers. Campers who were not able to afford a decent pair of shoes were given priority.

The “DREAM BIG” basketball camp brought together a little over 100 kids, aged 7 to 18 from the coastal and west region of Cameroon. We hosted 25 kids that came from out of town from Friday-Sunday, providing them with food and shelter. That same day in the evening, we organized educational talks for all campers with emphasis on S.T.E.M education and how to balance sport activities and schoolwork. Kids and parents who attended the evening discussion were very pleased.

On Saturday February 6, the camp started at 8am. Campers were divided in three separates group levels based on skills set; beginners, intermediate and advanced. All groups started with warm ups, then animations and creative games. All coaches assigned to each workstation followed their training work schedule. At noon, all activities stopped and all participants are a provided lunch. At 2pm, the activities restarted with ball handling, shooting drills and much more. Everything went as scheduled. We had few minor injuries.  Around 5pm, we organized 5 on 5 games for all categories to end the day.

On Sunday February 7, the camp resumed pretty much started as the day before, but with a slight difference after the lunch break. When all campers returned from break, they were evaluated per skill level.

To end the event, a gala match was organized between the coaching staff and a local basketball veteran club. At the end, each campers received a medal with a certificate.

It should be noted that students from the paramedical classes were present both days of the event. They did a special school project by playing the role of first aid responders. They handled several minor injuries and all received an A grade.

Thank you again for helping Manengouba Foundation build a stronger community within Nkongsamba, Cameroon. Please stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @manengouba.