About Laimaru

Our vision

is to become the most successful, self-sustainable and independent Network of indigenous and minority organisations for the whole of Africa in other to support our members flourish, succeed and achieve their own aims to effectively defend the rights of our people.

Our mission

is to connect, inform, advice, support, enable, facilitate representation and amplify the voices of our members by strengthening their capacities.

Our

Goals

Provide our members and supporters a platform to share information, get advice, guidance and share good practices.
Amplify their voices and ensure their representation in decision-making bodies and spheres of influence.
Advocate on behalf of/with members on their issues and interests.
Provide support on funding/fundraising and humanitarian aid in times of disasters/displacement.
Develop the capacities of members and provide services including consultancy and research.

Our

general objectives

Develop resources such as guides, explainers, sample policies and procedures and templates for members to use.
Develop a regular newsletter to highlight and share information from members.
Share case studies/examples of good practices for members.
Identify relevant decision-making avenues and encourage and provide briefings and support for members to take part.
Encourage and support participation in elections for local councils, parliament and senate.
Research, petition, highlight, campaign and lobby on issues of interest to our members.
Identify relevant funding opportunities, support and provide recommendations for members.
Raise funds/materials for our supporters affected by disasters.
Organize training, volunteering opportunities for our members.
Facilitate participation in relevant seminars, conferences and workshops for our members.
Undertake consultancy on relevant issues for members.

Our

Values

Action-orientated,leadership, proactivity, accountability, transparency, collaboration, integrity, loyalty, positivity, quality, goal-orientated, honesty, competence, professionalism, flexibility, teamwork, authenticity, commitment, voluntarism, appreciative, sustainability, compassionate, empathetic, concern for others, learning, consistency, courageous, empowering, responsive, respect and dependability.

Members

benefits

Being part of a credible wider network provides a wider platform, increases your reach, amplifies your voice, open up opportunities for your group/organisation.
We will provide you letters of recommendation when you need them for funders or other opportunities.
Your group/organisation will be listed on our website and documents giving you a legitimate point of reference for your partners.
You will benefit from the resources we will develop such as guides, templates and advice.
You will receive information about training, conferences, seminars and other learning opportunities.
If we receive funds destined for members you will receive your part.
If Laimaru is asked to nominate people to decision-making positions, you as a member will be asked to nominate a representative.
As part of Laimaru your advocacy will be more effective when we jointly write a petition on an issue etc. etc.

Some Key

Achivements

Laimaru Network is 10 years old. It was created and registered by Sarli Sardou Nana, a long-time community leader in 2012. At the time there were tensions between some key Mbororo associations that would led to serious long tern polarization. Laimaru network came in to pull everyone together to work in collaboration. Laimaru means “umbrella” in Fulfulde and aims to bring together minority and indigenous organisations and activists to increase their effectiveness in defending indigenous and minority rights, their impact and share knowledge and resources. It has a Board of Directors, 10 Regional Focal Points and over 20 member-organisations in. Some of our achievements include:

Organisation a national workshop in Yaoundé in collaboration with CAEPA on political participation of indigenous people in decision-making which contributed significantly to over 45 indigenous Mbororo elected successfully as local councilors in 2013. The number has since increased including the positions of a mayor and deputy mayors.
The National Coordinator of Laimaru A.B. Abubakar was inspired by the workshop and decided to run for local election as a local councilor after the workshop and was successful and is a grand councillor.
We have set up a Women Forum and Youth Forum to enable women and youth leaders gain leadership skills to participate fully in society.; delivered leadership and group management skills to the forum members.
Set up a Laimaru Cooperative Charity Shop to raise funds to continue supporting communities; the shop includes a Mobile Money Service which Laimaru intends to use to teach communities how to access and also set theirs.
Laimaru Network set up a forum of 20 indigenous organisations/reps who network regularly to share information, challenges and solutions.
Recruited over 200 volunteers formed into support groups in Cameroon, Gabon, USA and other countries; they have been fundraising and delivering Laimaru Relief Aid project.
Since 2018, Laimaru Network has delivered relief aid in about 30 locations, in 5 Regions of Cameroon to over 5000 IDPs and vulnerable people.
Initiated, coordinated and submitted a Shadow Report to the UN Human Rights Council through the Universal Periodic Review Mechanism.
Set up Pulaaku L:earning circles in 11 communities and as a result published a Pulaaku Manual on resilience and peaceful co-existence.
Provided support and activities for children in 11 communities with over 300 children benefitting.
Trained 35 community members including 22 women on the production of eco charcoal using household waste; trained 10 of the women as trainers and provided them start up capital.
Distributed solar lamps and water filters to 11 communities.
Delivered Covid-19 support and awareness to various communities.
Identified and secured 4 places and participation for indigenous representatives on the REPALEAC, the Central African Region network of indigenous people. One of the indigenous Mbororo is now the REPALEAC Secretary General for Central African Region covering 9 countries.
Mentored and supported several indigenous activists; some we provided recommendations for are now part of the International Indigenous Movement.
Laimaru collaborates with local authorities, NGOs and international partners.

Annonces