Sacred Link Global Humanitarian Project

Himalayan Institute Cameroon boasts the largest library in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. This library contains over 60,000 books, as well as reading rooms, collaborative workspaces, a children’s corner, reference books, and textbooks. We currently have five public libraries throughout Cameroon, which are run and operated by local Cameroonian staff, and we plan to build five more public libraries in the next 24 months! In strengthening and scaling
this existing network, the goal to provide access to educational resources, spaces for learning, and community mentoring services to bolster primary, secondary, and continuing education remains crucial to this program’s success. This network of libraries, which serves as a learning center for study as well as mentorship by trained education specialists who work one-on-one with students, holds the key to continuing education across the Northwest Region, and hopefully, in the future, all of Cameroon.

MAIN LIBRARY
Our public library in Kumbo serves students from elementary to university level, as well as teachers and other professionals. Through the library, we offer a book-lending program, afterschool and mentoring programs, and professional development resources.

BRANCH LIBRARIES
Branch libraries are strategically located in remote communities that otherwise have extremely limited access to educational resources. Each branch library holds 2,000 to 3,000 books. All our libraries are run and maintained by trained community members who hold education in the highest regard. We currently have Public Library Network branches in Mbonso, Melim, Bamenda, and Tatum.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING
The School of Carpentry & Construction offers vocational training courses on advanced woodworking techniques and furniture making. The course includes training in structural design, furniture design and upholstery, detail carpentry work, wood preserving and finishing techniques, project estimating, and shop management. With a strong emphasis on hands-on experience, the program provides ample opportunity for student projects and internships. Graduates can use their certificates of completion to help them get better jobs throughout Cameroon, and select students have the opportunity to join the Furniture Production center and Service Program.

SERVICE PROGRAM
The School of Carpentry & Construction is equipped with a modern set of woodworking machines: table saw, mortising machine, drill press, lathe, plunge routers, handheld belt sanders, and random-orbit hand sanders. Many of these machines are the first of their kind in the area, helping to make the local carpentry industry more
efficient, productive, and safe. The Service Program makes these modern power tools available to the Kumbo public. Staffed by select graduates from the center’s 10-week training program, the center provides on-demand custom cuts and joinery for established carpenters. Many of the orders completed in minutes with stationary power tools at the school would otherwise take days of manual labor. The Service Program ensures high-quality products for consumers, and broadens the product base for the 250+ carpenters in the region!

FURNITURE PRODUCTION CENTER
The School of Carpentry & Construction fills challenging orders from the local community for furniture that otherwise could not be completed through traditional methods. By doing this, the school raises awareness of the potential of local materials, while creating demand for locally produced, high-quality furniture.

Our Women’s Empowerment Program provides women with the skills and opportunities to build sustainable small businesses, helping to eradicate poverty and bring economic growth to rural communities. Our premier Women’s Empowerment Program is our jewelry-training program, Sacred Link Jewelry. Sacred Link Jewelry incorporates designs and materials from all around the world and brings the beauty of the village market to a global scale, while teaching women how to achieve financial independence with
tradecraft. For over a decade, we’ve worked with schools, women’s empowerment groups, government ministries, local nonprofits, and
other development clubs throughout Cameroon to teach jewelry making as a vocational trade. For these Cameroonian women, having a skill that allows them to earn an income is a matter of great pride; it allows them to be truly self-reliant. Most recently, we have begun working with women in prison, teaching them the skills
to make and sell jewelry. This vocational development provides a source of dignity and income to support their families at home while they are still incarcerated.