On 12^th April 2025, Marianne Johnson and Stuart Whitman, two of our trustees, were privileged to represent Building Schools for Africa at the funeral of Ndzerem Stephen Njodzeka, the founder of our partner NGO, SHUMAS. It was a momentous occasion, as was fitting for such an inspirational man.

Stephen was a highly respected member of the Nso Tribe and, as President of the Nso Development Association, had spent much of his life working to ensure that the traditions, rituals, music, dances and the pride of the tribe were maintained and respected. He was also a devout Catholic and someone who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the poor of all faiths, all tribes and all regions of Cameroon – both francophone and anglophone.

It is hardly surprising, therefore, that his funeral was a huge occasion, with over 2000 people, from every corner of Cameroon, in attendance. Catholic Masses were celebrated every day for a week, culminating in the funeral itself, which was an extraordinarily moving occasion, both solemn and joyful. Stephen’s coffin lay in state while the mourners gathered to say their farewells, and was draped in the flag of Cameroon before the Governor of the NW Region presented a posthumous award of Officer of the Order of Valour.

Stephen was finally buried at his residence in Bamenda, with the full burial rituals of the Nso Tribe taking over the rest of the day – and from dawn to dusk on the following day! There was dancing, drumming, singing and feasting for hours on end, and was a colourful and spectacular celebration of Stephen’s life and achievements, which will live in the memories of everyone present.

Marianne and Stuart were absolutely delighted to meet up again with so many friends from communities where BSFA has been able to fund projects over the past twenty years. It was a real confirmation of the positive impact of our partnership with SHUMAS within all these communities – and we were pleased to have the opportunity to state, unequivocally, that we will continue in the same vein for years to come.