Bamenda is Sizzling: Lourdes Launches Golden Jubilee on Saturday: Jan. 28

Gift of Four Apartment Staff Quarters

From 35 students in 1963 to the current enrollment of 730, the growth captures an unbroken tradition of outstanding results from the Catholic, all-girls institution of learning - Our Lady of Lourdes College, Mankon Bamenda dedicated to the enduring values of holistic education that nurtures the intellectual, emotional, social, physical, creative and spiritual growth of each student.

In the 2010/2011 academic year, the best student in the country was from Our Lady of Lourdes College Mankon, Bamenda, evident by test scores in the GCE results. An enabling school environment that provides physical and emotional security plays a vital role in actively engaging students in the teaching and learning process and it encourages personal and collective responsibility for excellence.

The journey that began in 1963 has seen many cornerstones laid and milestones realized with immeasurable support from students, former students, parents, staff, Cameroonians and the international community. From the addition of a high school, modern library to water project and scholarship from LESA USA, the road to the Golden Jubilee in 2013 has been graced with blessings and thanks to God.

With the need to provide academic, social and moral support to students, the learning environment is a priority in upholding the renown quality of education at Our Lady of Lourdes College. Due to the proximity of shared borders with urban neighborhoods, the hassles and disturbances from thieves interfere with the ideal of a peaceable school campus. It is imperative to ensure that our students are prepared to learn without fear as they strive to actualize their greatest potentials. The role of teachers, who have daily interactions with students, is invaluable in meeting the challenges. In deed, beyond the classroom, the teacher is a mentor and advisor.

From 3 teachers in 1963 to 43 today, the unsung heroes and heroines are a central part of Lourdes' storied excellence. The Golden Jubilee Appeal is to build a four apartment staff quarters on campus for teachers, which is a cost effective approach to realize the summarized multidimensional benefits:

1) Improved time for lesson plans: Staying on campus enables teachers to have more time to prepare lesson plans. Staff planning and collaboration among teachers will enhance the quality of teaching.

2) Improved student outcomes: With teachers more accessible on campus, after-school academic advisory and supervisory interactions between teachers and students will empower and encourage students to become lifelong learners, to be responsible for their learning and actions, the learning environment.

3) Improved Morale: With teachers' reach beyond traditional classroom boundaries, they will be able to directly or indirectly reach larger number of students beyond their classroom walls in fostering and modeling social and moral discipline

4) Improved Teacher Retention: The incentives of campus facilities will reduce the cost of housing and transportation, which are incentives in recruiting and retaining highly qualified teaching staff.

The total cost of the building is estimated at 50,000,000F (Fifty Million Francs) CFA. We are confident that with your support, the befitting gift will be unveiled on January 5, 2013 to mark the Golden Jubilee.

In the United States, LESA USA is poised for an outstanding coast to coast Golden Jubilee Launching at its Valentine Day Extravaganza on February 11 (officially heralded Feb 14). 2012 in Washington/Maryland, Georgia/Atlanta, California and Minnesota. The LESA USA Golden Jubilee Launching gets an extra creative flair with the LESA USA - Carolinas Masquerade Ball on February 18, 2012.

With evidence of public trust well earned and upheld, we count on your support in building the staff quarters to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes College.

For the Gala nearest to you, check on the link: Launching.

Your donation will build.

God Bless You and Yours.