As the program manager assistant of the project “Drinking Water in Tchoutsi” small village in western cameroon Africa I was hired on a voluntary basis to help design and provide guidance for the monitoring and evaluation of a community water project funded with local community contribution and US Government funds through the Small Grant Program managed by the Peace Corps in Cameroon. Prior to working with me my supervisor had a difficult time finding any qualify professional, willing to work as a volunteer ready to join the project team deep in the hilly region of Western Cameroon. The project Manager was concern that I will find the work too challenging and leave the project or ask for financial compensation midway through the project. Neither of these happened. I was available and very often traveled at my own expenses. I asked numerous questions on to village inhabitants, including the councils of elders, women’s groups, school teachers and the children I encounter randomly in the village. I was clearly not just interested by the project itself or the donor’s requirements but I sought to learn more from all stakeholders. I explain to elder how the project was an opportunity to positively transform community involvement. I sought to understand the history of the local community, its past achievements and the local economy. I was committed from the start and was very strategic in gathering information. In sum I took my job seriously.


Gaston Tsopmo