Our Programs

The VIVA Association (VIVAA) has launched "Phase I" of a project to improve education access for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. This initiative responds to a severe sociopolitical crisis that has caused widespread school closures and displacement.

The project's goal is to improve the pupil-to-textbook ratio and ensure safe access to education for vulnerable children. VIVAA plans to use 3,500,000 FCFA in funding to produce and distribute 1,000 "many-in-one" summary textbooks — condensing the national curriculum and providing essential "bridge knowledge," especially for children with irregular attendance.

Geographic Reach

The project directly benefits over 900 vulnerable IDP children across four divisions of the Northwest Region: Bui Division, Menchum Division, Ngohketunjia Division, and Mezam Division. Gender equality and disability inclusion are at the heart of all activities, with 70% focus on girls.

Key Activities

Activities include registering children, distributing books, and providing child safeguarding workshops for parents and teachers. Operational risks like security access are mitigated by using local volunteers and low-profile distribution methods with robust accountability mechanisms.

"I was unable to afford any of the textbooks listed in the national curriculum for my four children. I do not know how to thank VIVAA enough for this great gesture." — Musa Hassan, IDP Father, Awing Village

Founding Acknowledgement

Founder & Funder — Phase I

Mr. Boniface Tatah

VIVAA remains deeply grateful to Mr. Boniface Tatah, President and Board Chair of VIVAA, who single-handedly funded this first phase of the project — transforming a vision of dignity into reality for hundreds of children.

Project 1 — Proactive NCD Screening in Njengang

In August 2025, VIVAA launched a critical health intervention in the Njengang community to combat the "silent killers" of hypertension and diabetes. The campaign provided free screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar levels, targeting vulnerable residents who lack access to regular check-ups.

Of the 149 persons screened, 96 were female and 53 male. 89 persons were elderly (60+ years), while the rest fell between 25–59 years of age. Beyond testing, VIVAA integrated medical counseling to help participants manage results through lifestyle and nutrition.

Project 2 — HIV Advocacy & Care with CMWA

In partnership with the Cameroon Medical Women Association (CMWA), VIVAA's Lifeline Initiative tackles the HIV/AIDS crisis within the high-stress environment of the Northwest Region. The project bridges the gap between displaced patients and life-saving care by providing community-based testing and ensuring adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

Project 3 — Universal Childhood Immunization

VIVAA's "Community Awareness and Collaboration for the Right to Childhood Vaccination" project effectively addressed vaccination gaps between 2023 and 2024. Through door-to-door visits, churches, and schools in Alahlieh and Njengang, VIVAA identified and referred 25 children (17 girls, 8 boys) for catch-up vaccinations.

VIVA Association (VIVAA) launched an all-year-round project to raise awareness in schools and hospitals on child and vulnerable adult safeguarding within the context of the ongoing sociopolitical crisis in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.

So far, VIVAA has visited and conducted workshops in 13 schools and 2 hospitals — cutting across 4 divisions of the Northwest Region and 1 Division in the West Region.

Key Areas Covered

The workshops addressed identifying issues like sexual exploitation, neglect, fraud, drug abuse, and harassment. Sessions focused on establishing a robust Feedback, Complaints, and Response Mechanism (FCRM) within each institution.

Outcomes & Commitments

All participants signed a code of conduct incorporating safeguarding clauses produced for each institution with VIVAA's assistance. Each administration committed to immediately implementing a robust accountability system and ongoing action plan.

"Through VIVAA's safeguarding training, our staff moved beyond a basic understanding of discipline. They were equipped with tools to protect every child in our care." — Principal's Desk, Holy Rosary College

Project 1 — Youth Emotional Intelligence for Sustainable Peace

VIVAA commenced implementation of a two-year project aimed at addressing the leadership crisis in the Northwest Region by training youths in Emotional Intelligence (EI). The initiative recognizes EI as the essential foundation of effective leadership.

By bringing together emerging young "changemakers," the project fosters intergenerational dialogue and social cohesion. Participants learn to identify emotional triggers and develop non-reactive decision-making strategies crucial for high-pressure environments.

The goal is to replace reactive, crisis-driven management with transformative leadership that prioritizes community well-being — positioning emotional maturity as the cornerstone for sustainable peace.

Project 2 — Community Leaders Emotional Intelligence Initiative

VIVAA also launched a transformative initiative designed to heal the leadership fabric of the Northwest, ravaged by conflict. Through immersive "Safe Space" circles, more than 50 key influencers and community leaders master the art of self-regulation and empathy.

Leaders learn to identify their own triggers while navigating the deep-seated pain of their communities. The training provides practical tools for conflict de-escalation and inclusive, high-pressure decision-making.

Participants leave as "Emotional Anchors," equipped to foster resilience rather than further division. VIVAA seeks to turn the "Abakwa" spirit into a global model for empathetic crisis management.

VIVAA successfully spearheaded a community-led rehabilitation of the Kikoo water catchment to address long-standing vulnerabilities in water security. The mission began with mobilizing residents — igniting a shared commitment to clean water access.

The Rehabilitation Process

Through intense sensitization, the community learned to value and protect their natural resources. VIVAA led the physical labor, coordinating the clearing of debris and digging of essential trenches. To ensure long-term sustainability, VIVAA provided specialized water-preservation plants for the site.

The project went beyond labor — VIVAA funded a protective security fence around the source, effectively shielding the water from contamination by wandering animals and human traffic.

Impact & Legacy

This initiative will restore dignity and health to a community long neglected by infrastructure gaps. This project successfully secured safe, potable water for over 500 households and 3,000 individuals across six communities, fostering deep communal ownership.

Today, Kikoo stands as a model of communal resilience, powered by VIVAA's vision for action — proving that community mobilization can turn environmental vulnerability into strength.