Participant Introduction -Claris (Cameroon)

“Coming from a typical agricultural community characterized by poverty, single motherhood, and gender discrimination and having been raised by a single mum, I noticed and went through many challenges and problems with the worst cases faced by women. This alone motivated me to undertake a course in development studies, so I could contribute through my voice and action to breaching this gap in my community.”

Claris is a Field Monitor who provides administrative support. Her primary responsibilities include the preparation of financial requests for the organization. In addition, she also represents the organization in meetings and works at the organization’s farm. She lives and works in an environment inhabited by youth who are mostly jobless, university graduates. Weekly activities include street selling, petty trading, the operation of mobile money kiosks, and farming. In addition, Claris pays attention to people’s likes and dislikes and their perspectives about life issues to gain trust.

At ARI, Claris wants to increase her knowledge in agriculture. Specifically, she hopes to learn more about improved seed varieties, specialized organic techniques, and mushroom spore production. After ARI, she wants to transfer these skills to the women of her community, to improve their self-sufficiency and financial stability.

Sending Organization          

Rural Women Development Center (RUWDEC) is a women and youth-led Non-Governmental Organization which seeks to promote the economic empowerment of women, youth, vulnerable groups, and communities. The work includes gender equality, educating the rural population on basic hygiene for better health, promoting environmental protection, preservation of our natural resources, and enhancing development through capacity building.

Men's Dormitory & Guest House

Participants and volunteers live in separate dormitories for men and women. The dormitory includes shared lounges, kitchens, showers, and laundry facilities. Wi-Fi is not available.

Poultry House

The poultry facilities include free-range chicken coops and a brooding house. More than 400 chickens are raised, producing over 80,000 eggs and approximately one ton of chicken meat each year.

Pig Pen

Participants learn a variety of pig farming techniques through hands-on practice. Both deep-litter and concrete-floor systems are used, and manure is recycled into biogas and fertilizer.

Goat House

Goat milk (over 200 liters annually) and meat are used for food, while manure is used as fertilizer. During the day, the goats roam freely in the pasture.

Forest

The forests surrounding the campus are managed through selective thinning for firewood and charcoal production. Leaves and other organic materials are collected for use in agriculture.

Fields

On 2.5 hectares of farmland, approximately 100 varieties of vegetables and crops are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The entire community helps manage the fields as part of its commitment to learning and self-sufficiency.

Rice Paddies

Rice is cultivated in paddies both on and off campus. Various organic rice-growing methods are studied and practiced, including weed control and fertilization using ducks.

Workshop

The workshop is a space for repair and recycling activities. It contains machinery, welding equipment, woodworking tools, and a variety of materials.

Feed Mixing Room

Livestock feed is produced here using both manual and mechanical methods. Continuous efforts are made to improve feed quality and sustainability.

Administration Building

The first floor houses the reception area and administrative offices, while the second floor contains staff offices and the Director’s office. The Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room) is located adjacent to the building.

ARI Shop

The shop offers ARI-grown produce, processed foods, books, and handicrafts from the home countries of ARI graduates.

Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room)

The facility serves as the hub of agricultural activities at ARI. It includes classrooms, storage for tools and farming materials, and facilities for drying and storing crops.

Oikos Chapel

Originally a 100-year-old traditional farmhouse, the chapel has been renovated into a place of worship. Daily morning gatherings are held here, along with meditation, dialogue sessions, gospel choir practice, and other community activities. Oikos is a Greek word meaning “home.”

Manna House (Food Processing Room)

This facility is used for producing and storing processed foods such as cookies and jam. The ground floor also contains a poultry processing facility.

Fish Ponds

Fish are raised for both food and agricultural purposes.

クリスマス・ウィンターキャンペーン 2025
Christmas and Winter Donation Campaign