The Heifer Project International, Cameroon head office at Mile Three, Nkwen, Bamenda in the North West Region was on May 28, 2012 the scene of attraction as some 13 staff were honoured with labour medals by the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam, Njouweh Marshie Betrand who stood in for North West Regional Governor, Lele L'Afrique.

Speaking at the event, the SDO reminded the staff of the support and appreciation of the Cameroon government in their various sacrifices and commitment to kick out hunger and poverty out of Cameroon. Marshie Betrand called on Heifer staff to shun negative attitudes, redouble efforts and to work with the interest of the nation at heart. Six workers received one medal each, five two medals each and one staff, three medals.

The Vice President for Heifer International Africa Area Programme, Elango Elizabeth said the recognition of HPI Cameroon staff was a great honour to the Heifer Africa family and a succinct definition of their human resources as hard working and determined. Elango commended the Cameroon government and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for encouraging the staff in their exhaustive but formidable tasks. She called on HPI Cameroon staff to work with integrity and to keep their eyes on the goals of the organisation. To the beneficiaries of the project, Elango asked for their partnership and collaboration which as she put it, is a veritable way of achieving sustainable development.

In his words of thanks to the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam and his visiting team, Dr Henry Njakoi, HPI Cameroon Country Director, praised the Cameroon government for recognising the efforts of his organisation in the fight against poverty and hunger in the country. Dr Njakoi said the awarded medals deeply demonstrated the support of government to Heifer's goal in Cameroon and the accomplishments so far made. The Country Director reminded his staff that the medals presented a new challenge because the honour in itself was a wake up call for them to be steadfast and assiduous.

Earlier, the staff representative of HPI Cameroon, Sali Usmanu observed that the awards profiled the staff as meritorious workers who had accomplished the mission of the organisation by working to reduce poverty and hunger and care for the earth in Cameroon. While congratulating his honoured colleagues, Sali lauded the Cameroon government for motivating the staff with the medals which he described as a "moral boost to HPI work in Cameroon."

The event was attended by the Mayor of Bamenda III Sub-divisional Council, Fongu Cletus, the North West Regional Delegate for Labour and Social Security and treasured family friends and relatives of the honoured staff.

Heifer Project International has been working in Cameroon for 44 years. Each year, an average of 531 farm families receives support through agricultural supplies and inputs. A total of FCFA 66.4 million is generated annually by these beneficiaries from the sale of food crops and livestock.