Sustainability

All 193 Member States of the United Nations have adopted a plan for fighting inequality and injustice, and protecting the planet.

At the heart of the “Agenda 2030” are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address the world’s most important economic, social, environmental and governance challenges.  They incorporate 169 targets which cover a broad range of sustainable development issues, from ending poverty and hunger to improving health and education, reducing inequality, and combating climate change.

Children are affected by all of the SDGs.  Access to a good education and good health care influences the path of an individual’s actions for their lives and collectively will determine the shape of human society. We believe that the work of Building Schools for Africa, along with our partner, SHUMAS, has a very important role in achieving critical parts of the Global Goals agenda for Cameroon.

The Sustainable Development Goals we address through our projects.

1. No poverty

Poverty and access to education are inextricably linked, mostly because that can be an avenue out of poverty.  Our schoolbuilding projects are effectively lifting children and their families out of extreme poverty.

3. Good health and wellbeing

For people to lead healthy and productive lives, they need access to affordable and good healthcare and the knowledge to maintain good health. We refurbish and re-equip rural healthcare centres, ensuring that all family members are able to stay well enough to allow the children to attend school, rather than having to work in the fields.

4. Quality education

Access to quality education is a key factor in empowering children to become active participants in transforming their societies. It is the key to better jobs and hope for the future.

5. Gender equality

Investing in girls’ and women’s education is one of the most effective ways to achieve positive, sustainable change in the world, for everyone.  Our projects have enabled hundreds more girls to attend school and go on to further education.  Some married women have returned to school while others are being educated through membership of women’s groups.

6. Clean water and sanitation

Access to clean water and sanitation have a huge impact on the quality of life particularly in the rural areas.  We aim to provide clean drinking water at all of our schools and also fund some community water facilities.

8. Decent work and economic growth

The economic benefit of education is unquestionable – all over the world, education is seen as an investment, for the individual as well as for society.  Our projects offer a bright future both for the children and for Cameroon.

10. Reduced inequalities

Equitable access to education leads to greater positive impact on society as a whole.  Our projects have significantly reduced the maternal mortality and infant mortality rates in the benefitting communities, improved access to education for children and trade training for adolescents with disabilities and they have helped lift whole families out of extreme poverty.