Israel Fete

The Mbororo Fete in the village of Israel to celebrate their tree nursery happened on June 29th, planned a few weeks after my return to Cameroon, so that if anything went wrong when I was gone I would have enough time to get back and maybe get things organized! As it was, nothing went wrong. No animals got into the pepiniere and ate all the plants (thanks for your prayers). The nursery men didn't abandon the work. And the village was ready for the celebration. There were a few disappointments in the area of attendance, but that's only to be expected in these things. We had invited 8 different organizations or government officials and only 3 of them came, one of whome missed the first part of the ceremony. However, Amadou Toukour, the Peace Corps Garoua staff person was one of those three, along with the agro-extension agent of an environmental project in the area and the representative for the Mayor. So I feel good they at least were there. Jessie, a nearby fellow agroforestry volunteer came as well and I was grateful for that. The ceremony started in the nursery where the chief, the invitees, and other members of the community all had a chance to talk: about the importance of trees and planting trees, aboutt he tree nursery they had created, and about their village needs. Then, unplanned, I asked the two nurserymen to perhaps show each species of tree the produced. And that ended up being the best part (in my opinion). Without pausing, Ramani and Salah seriously and perhaps proudly went tree to tree, picking up an example, telling its name and explaining its uses and importance. This was such a great tool for teaching their fellow villagers who are not familiar with many of the trees, and at the same time gave them ownership and allowed them to show their "expertise." They took it so seriously; and I was so proud. I felt like a mother. After that, the whole group went back to the village to the mosque where we planted four trees around the mosque. Milk was brought out and shared together. Now, since the ceremony, they are planting their trees in and around their village. I am again proud...that they are taking the initiative of planting their trees without me there.

walking around looking at the trees before the ceremony

Men and Jessie starting to gather and sit on the mats in the nursery

Amadou Toukour, one of our biggest supports and help, and me

Salah and Ramani explaining a Cassia siamea (?) tree

Jawro Issa Adamou preparing a hole for a Neem tree, at the Mosque, with Ramani, and Dama Ndjida from Sodecoton's Project ESA looking on and explaining good technique

Ramani planting a Neem tree

Jawro Issa watering for planting a Cassia tree

drinking milk at the mosque