Yaounde: ADEV paints walls of an orphanage
Members of the Asociation des Acteurs de Développement (ADEV) visited the Foyer de l’Espérance Children’s Home in the Nkolbison neighborhood of Yaounde on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The outreach activity brought together volunteers and orphaned children, community engagement and sustainable development.
Development is often measured through infrastructure and economic growth. Yet for the young men and women of ADEV, development also means investing in people. On Sunday, members of the association left their headquarters in the Obili neighborhood in Yaounde and headed to the Foyer de l’Espérance Children’s Home in Nkolbisson. There, painting and renovations were on the agenda.
Founded by a group of young Cameroonian sociologists, ADEV has been working for more than a decade to empower young people and women through education, environmental protection, gender equality and peacebuilding initiatives. The organisation believes that lasting change begins at the community level.
“Our mission is to help young people and women discover their potential and use it to transform their communities,” stated Patrici Ngo Nlend, one of the members of ADEV. “When we visit places like this, we are not only giving support. We are building human connections and encouraging a culture of solidarity.”
For the children at the orphanage, the visit was a moment of joy. “I am happy they came to spend time with us,” said Kevin, 12 years old, a resident of the home. “I had fun playing with paint because in normal circumstances, we won’t be allowed. It made me feel loved and important.”
“Children need more than material support, explained Marie Ndzié director of the orphanage, “they need attention, encouragement and positive role models,“ she concluded.
The association is also known for its environmental activities. In recent years, ADEV has organised awareness campaigns, clean-up exercises and community hikes aimed at promoting environmental responsibility. One of its notable activities was a hike to Mount Eloumden in Yaounde, where participants combined outdoor recreation with discussions on environmental conservation and sustainable development.
