'Real change comes not just from what we build, but the connections we make’

In July 2023, I travelled to Cameroon with eight other members of Cameroon Catalyst.

We’re a small, student-led charity dedicated to providing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in rural areas of eastern Cameroon.

I’ve volunteered with the charity since 2019. I was president of the society from 2019-2022 and I’m now a trustee and its research coordinator.

But the 2023 trip would be my first opportunity to see the impact of our work in person due to delays caused by the pandemic.

I gained so much from this experience – as an engineer, a researcher and on a personal level.

What we wanted to achieve

We had an ambitious set of objectives for this trip, including reviewing past projects and getting started on new ones.

Our base was the village of Tongo, where we worked closely with a dedicated local team of translators, drivers, site coordinators, and security personnel.

Days were spent in the field, while evenings brought a sense of camaraderie as we gathered around a fire to share food, stories and play games.

It all helped us move closer to our goals:

1. Assessing past projects

Visiting the charity’s previous projects was a bittersweet experience.

Of the eight wells, four were fully operational, two needed basic repairs, and two weren’t working.

Conversations with local well committees revealed that funds collected for maintenance had been redirected by the local council with no repairs to follow.

This issue was taken to the regional governor, who promised to address it. A small victory, but one that highlighted the systemic challenges in maintaining infrastructure in the region.

The health centre presented another challenge. While it receives medical staff from a nearby town, the building itself was in disrepair.

Ensuring a clean, functional space for healthcare is now a top priority for the charity.

2. Planning new projects

Walking through potential project sites with local residents was a standout moment.

Their knowledge of the land and enthusiasm for collaboration made the process deeply rewarding.

The students on our team excelled in considering engineering requirements and the social context, demonstrating the value of combining technical expertise with cultural sensitivity.

It was inspiring to see the team grow in confidence and skill.

3. Trying new things

Our pilot project involved retrofitting a hand-dug well with a solar pump and a ferrocement (reinforced mortar or plaster) tank.

The idea was simple yet transformative: pump water overnight to fill the tank, allowing villagers to access a larger supply of clean water during the day.

Working alongside local contractors, we shared knowledge and introduced ferrocement construction—a new technique for the region.

Despite delays in material delivery that prevented us from completing the project during our stay, the sense of progress was notable.

Regular updates from the site since our return have shown the project is almost completed.

4. Understanding community needs

Through conversations and tours, we gained invaluable insights into the lives of these communities.

It became clear that, alongside infrastructure, education and capacity building are essential for long-term change.

Workshops on safe water use and hygiene practices could go hand in hand with physical projects.

This realisation has inspired me to prioritise capacity building initiatives in the coming year.

Mixed emotions

Leaving Cameroon was an emotional experience.

On one hand, I felt immense pride in what we had achieved and the potential of our future projects.

On the other, I was deeply moved by the challenges faced by these communities who live in extremely difficult conditions.

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet so many still don’t have access to it.

This is a reality that should be addressed through systemic change, not just by small charities like ours.

Addressing the unique needs of communities

This trip reaffirmed the importance of designing projects that are tailored to the unique needs of each community.

It also highlighted the need for collaboration— with local stakeholders, contractors, and other organisations—to create solutions that are innovative and sustainable.

There is so much work to be done, but this trip proved that even small steps can lead to significant change.

Every effort brings us closer to a future where clean water and sanitation are a reality for all.

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