BFU-USA

Bui Family Union, USA (BFU-USA)

BFU-USA is a charitable [501(c)3], socio-cultural organization that brings together all persons belonging to, or affiliated with Bui Division, residing in the United States of America. It promotes love, respect, and assistance to persons in need.

It also strives to foster and promote cultural values from the homeland, while enhancing and promoting the positive values of the host country, that are beneficial to its members.

BFU-USA Scope

Bui Division is one of the five administrative units in the North West Province of Cameroon. It encompasses a host of Tikar ethnic groups found in the Savannah grasslands of Cameroon in West Africa. With a population of about half a million inhabitants, this area still remains lacking in several aspects, particularly health and education. BFU-USA's scope of mission is this area in Cameroon and its host country, the United States of America. Below is a brief synopsis of the structure of BFU-USA and its projects.

BFU-USA Structure

• Chapters: BFU-USA is structured into functional units called chapters, whose activities are coordinated by a central administration. Each chapter focuses on achieving specific goals and objectives of the organization at the chapter level. Chapters run their affairs independently but within the confines of the mission, by-laws and constitution of the national organization.
  
  
• National Executive: BFU-USA National Executive oversees the organization's global efforts within the US and abroad, and ensures that its activities are in line with its mission. It is the central coordinating organ of BFU-USA.
  
  
• Committees: These are the structures at the national level that design, review and make recommendations for various projects or activities. Committees provide the pool of expertise and experience needed in the planning and execution of projects. There are two types of committees - Standing (that are permanent in nature) and Special (those are called to existence by the National Executive and have a defined lifetime). Some of these committees include the Education, Cultural, Health, Constitution and National Convention committees.
  
  
• National Convention: The convention is the General Assembly of BFU-USA where policy decisions and constitutional amendments are voted into law and the National Executive is voted into office. National projects reports are presented, evaluated and voted for funding and execution during conventions. Conventions provide the forum to assess the overall functioning of BFU-USA and for chapters to show-case their performance portfolios for the past year. Finally it provides a great opportunity to display of the cultural wealth of Bui culture as well as Cameroon and Africa.
  
  

Synopsis of our projects:

Our goals and objectives are accomplished within a project framework, using funds raised during national conventions or local fundraisers. Through your previous generous donations, BFU-USA was able to accomplish the following projects among others:

• Education: BFU-USA has provided some meritorious scholarships to children in local schools here in the USA and also more than 100 benches to five elementary schools in the hinterlands of Bui Division in Cameroon. This year, BFU-USA plans to provide School Supplies to some 5000 pupils in 5 subdivisions of Bui Division. BFU-USA partnered with Kumbo Development and Orientation Center (KUDOC) – a local based NGO, to accomplish this project. A total of 1622 students from six schools were received our donation of school supplies for the 2009 academic year from three areas of Kumbo, Jakiri and Nkum subdivisions. Scholarships to orphaned kids are targets for donations for next year and also more school supplies in areas of Oku-Noni, Mbiame subdivisions.
  
  In the United States, BFU-USA offered two scholarships, each worth $500 to 12 graders or college students attending undergraduate schools in USA. This year the plan is repeat the same process and sponsor 2 more students. Ultimately, we would like to sponsor 10 kids per year.
  
  
• Health: BFU-USA just completed the construction of the Melim Integrated Community Health Center. This is a pilot project that will be replicated in more than 13 other centers in Bui Division with poor access to primary healthcare facilities. Secondly, in 2006-2007 the second part of the “Tylenol Project” (which was the distribution of pain, cold and headache medications), saw the distribution of over 150,000 tablets. In 2008, we provided medical equipment and supplies to the Melim Integrated Community Health Center and also providing basic medications to the facility.
  
  In 2009 medical supplies and equipment were donated to Oku Health center, Mbiame health center, Kuvluh and Kifem health centers as well in Mbiame, Oku –Noni, and Kumbo subdivisions.
  
  These supplies included, blood pressure monitors, circumcision sets, medications for labor and delivery, malaria, mattresses, pillows and bed sheets, pillow cases and toothbrushes.
  
  
• Culture: BFU-USA’s cultural mission is to create awareness and educate the American community on the cultural values of Bui Division and to insert a Bui cultural imprint on America’s cultural landscape. Culture is the core platform of BFU-USA’s mission. It is one of the major features that distinguish BFU-USA from other organizations. BFU-USA participates in cultural outreach programs like the Kikum, Longsi and Toh dances, which are captivating African dances. In the USA, Kikum has successfully performed at public events. There are also other cultural artifacts on display at BFU-USA events. We are currently co-sponsoring the organization for the Ngon Nso Week in Cameroon. Ngon Nso Week is the cultural festival of the Nso people.
  
  In 2008, a "policies and procedures" document was prepared; the members of the cultural committee arranged the schedule of the cultural evening at the convention. They produced a pamphlet that had brief descriptions of the dance presentations from various chapters.
  
  The Ngonso week and Kovifem activities were supported by BFU-USA by giving a financial donation and also getting videotapes recorded of the events. The Ngonso communication committee also donated a set of videos to the organization.
  
  The people of Nkar fondom also lost their last Fon – the traditional monarch – and a new one was installed. BFU-USA supported this event as well. Sons and daughters of Nkar, with the support of local chapter in Georgia and Northern California, made a contribution to the palace of materials which sparked the revival and renovation in the palace by other sons and daughters around the world, nothing short of an exemplary show of solidarity and community spirit.
  
  A cultural calendar is being produced for the first time in two major languages in Bui division - the Nso and Oku languages. The future looks bright for BFU-USA and we continue to look for opportunities to support primary schools, to re-introduce dances in the schools again and to encourage competition in the motherland.
  
  As we plan for the cultural displays in Chicago during the national convention in July 2009, the cultural committee is getting ready to make this year the year of culture for this organization. Our national convention theme this year is “Culture: Fostering Self-Reliance and Social Justice”.