About Yama Foundation
Yama Foundation was founded by a Cameroonian information professional based in Canada who witnessed firsthand the tragedy of young Africans risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities.
Our Vision
To create a Cameroon where every young person has access to sustainable economic opportunities in their own community, eliminating the need for dangerous migration.
Our Values
- Empowerment: Equipping youth with skills for self-sufficiency
- Sustainability: Promoting environmentally responsible agriculture
- Community: Strengthening local economies and social fabric
- Hope: Offering viable alternatives to dangerous migration
Our Team
Our team consists of agricultural experts, community developers, and diaspora Cameroonians committed to creating change. We work closely with local communities in Ambam to ensure our programs are culturally appropriate and effective.
Our Agricultural Project
The heart of Yama Foundation's work is our 20-hectare agricultural training center in Ambam, Cameroon.
Training Programs
We offer comprehensive 6-month training programs that cover:
Basic Agriculture
Soil preparation, planting, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting techniques.
Specialized Crops
Training in cultivating high-value crops like cocoa, coffee, plantains, and vegetables.
Agri-business
Business planning, marketing, financial management, and market access strategies.
Post-Training Support
Graduates of our program receive ongoing support including:
- Access to microloans to start their own farms
- Mentorship from experienced farmers
- Connection to markets for their produce
- Continued education opportunities
Success Stories
Since our pilot program began, we have trained over 200 young Cameroonians. 85% have started their own agricultural businesses or found employment in the agricultural sector.
The Mediterranean Migration Crisis
The dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea has become one of the deadliest migration routes in the world.
The Harsh Reality
According to the United Nations and International Organization for Migration:
- Over 25,000 migrants have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean since 2014
- The Central Mediterranean route is the deadliest, with 1 death for every 35 arrivals
- Many more suffer abuse, exploitation, and trauma during their journey
- Young people aged 18-35 represent the majority of those attempting the crossing
Why Do They Risk It?
Young Africans embark on these dangerous journeys due to:
Lack of Economic Opportunity
High youth unemployment and limited prospects for advancement.
Poverty
Inability to meet basic needs or support families.
Hope for a Better Life
Belief that Europe offers opportunities unavailable at home.
Our Solution
Yama Foundation addresses these root causes by creating economic opportunities in Cameroon. By training young people in agriculture and supporting their entrepreneurial endeavors, we provide a viable alternative to dangerous migration.
Note: The stories and images of Mediterranean crossings can be distressing. Our focus is on prevention through empowerment rather than showcasing the tragedy itself.
Support Our Mission
Your donation directly supports our agricultural training programs and helps create sustainable livelihoods for young Cameroonians.
How Your Donation Helps
- $50 provides basic farming tools for one trainee
- $100 covers training materials for one month
- $250 supports irrigation for one hectare of training land
- $500 funds one month of training for 5 youth
- $1,000 establishes a microloan for a graduate to start their farm
- $5,000 develops one hectare of our training farm
Make a Donation
Your secure donation through PayPal helps us continue our vital work.
Other Ways to Give
- Bank Transfer: Contact us for banking details
- Corporate Sponsorship: Email yamafoundationorg@gmail.com
- In-Kind Donations: Agricultural equipment or expertise
Transparency & Accountability
Yama Foundation is committed to financial transparency. We provide annual reports detailing how donations are used. 85% of all donations go directly to program costs, with only 15% allocated to administrative and fundraising expenses.