The Middletown Lions Club has joined with the Orphan Grain Train, Maryland Division, to help start a new sewing school for women in Yaounde, Cameroon. Each month shipments of supplies are sent to countries in crisis. In October, a shipment will go to Cameroon with sewing supplies. A shipping container, used to ship supplies for the school, and funded by the Lutheran Hour Ministries in St. Louis, Missouri, will actually become the new sewing school building with spaces for windows and doors cut in the sides.
The Middletown Lions Club is helping by collecting school desks, sewing machines, sewing school supplies, irons, ironing boards, and many additional items including musical instruments and soccer balls! Anyone in the community who no longer needs any of these items and has them on hand can bring them to the Heritage Festival on September 25th to the Lions location next to Middletown Savings Bank or you may contact Phyl Thompson at 301-371-9429.
Cameroon at one time was one of the most prosperous countries in Africa but largely due to mismanagement and graft by its leaders does not have a strong economic position today. There are 250 distinct ethnic groups with 70% of the population involved in farming. Industry and commerce account for only 13% of its work force. Over 40.9% of this male dominated county is below the age of 15. Life expectancy is 53.69 years. The per capita income is $2,000. Women are not encouraged to pursue an education and usually work in the home. This project will go a long way to helping train women to secure jobs and help their families.
The Middletown Lions Club is working to support this effort and appreciates any assistance the community can give.
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