Cameroon Tombel Bookfeeding
Tombel is a small town located on the western slopes of Mount Kupe, covering an area of 1,007 km² and surrounded by several villages. Its economy is primarily driven by agriculture, thanks to fertile soils ideal for cultivating crops such as cocoa, coffee, and various food staples. Tombel also has a rich cultural heritage. The Bakossi people, who inhabit the region, continue to preserve their traditions through ceremonies, dances, handicrafts, and basket weaving.
The nearest town to Tombel is Loum, just 5 km away, while Kumba—located 33 km from Tombel—is home to the closest public library.
Education is a critical part of a child’s development, but in Tombel, many children live in poverty and lack access to adequate learning resources. In response to this challenge, the community, through the initiative of a local organization called the Charity for Rural Community Development Association, established a small community library. The association’s goals include training young people in vocational skills—particularly tailoring and carpentry—promoting agricultural development, supporting healthcare initiatives, and assisting children with learning difficulties.
Given the size of the population and the town’s economic activities, a library is seen as a valuable asset. It supports students and researchers by providing access to relevant materials, promotes literacy among children and adults through reading programs, and serves as a center for community engagement, cultural exchange, and learning. With several schools in the area, the library has the potential to significantly contribute to both education and overall community development.
To support this initiative, Bookfeeding partnered with Book Aid International to provide a donation of books. The community welcomed the contribution enthusiastically, prompting the local inspector of basic education to offer a temporary hall to house the library. The local partner assisted by building shelves and replacing the door lock for security purposes.
This marks the first Bookfeeding project in Cameroon. Looking ahead, the community hopes to renovate the current building, acquire more books, and furnish the space with additional shelves, tables, and chairs—transforming it into a vibrant and sustainable learning center for all.
People At The Project
Brain
Brain Ngeme Ebong is the man behind the project. He is a teacher by profession in one of the schools and also the chairman and coordinator of “Charity for Rural Community Development Association.“ He has passion for books, he is at your disposal to welcome any volunteers.
Ngolle Godwill
He is the main Librarian to manage the library, has a love of books and fun of playing with children.
Dione Vivian
She is a senior staff at the ministry of forestry and wildlife. She will be of great help to use environmental and conservation books to educate locals and organising workshops on nature protection.
Project details
Start of the project: June 2025
Local Partner: Charity for Rural Community Development Association
Library details
Current Needs: Books for children and young adults
Languages: English, French, Local language (Akose)
Accepting volunteers: yes
Library Location
CAMEROON TOMBEL
P.O Box 47, Tombel
South West Region
Cameroon