Beruda

04/03/2026

Mental health issues are frequently misunderstood. Yet, mental health is the invisible infrastructure that keeps families, classrooms, workplaces, and frontline services functioning under pressure.
As a development organisation, BERUDA cannot ignore the growing cost of mental health crises in the community. So we're taking action. Read more about this essential new program here: https://www.beruda.org/news

03/03/2026

Building Mental Health Capacity Across Africa

Mental health is more than the absence of illness — it is how we cope, relate, learn, work, and lead. Across Africa, stigma, trauma, and limited access to care leave many individuals and communities to suffer silently. Early intervention is rare, and the consequences ripple through families, schools, workplaces, and community systems.

In October 2025, 23 participants from Cameroon and Nigeria began an online Mental Health Training Program taught by Anabela Pinto through the Cambridge E-Learning Institute. The program was brought to Cameroon by BERUDA in partnership with Global Support Link UK.

Part One of the training (October 2025 – February 2026) covered:
• How the brain works and how trauma affects behavior
• Recognition of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction
• Early warning signs and structured interventions
• Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
• Ethical and culturally sensitive practice
• Practical strategies for schools, workplaces, and communities

Participants engaged in live weekly online lectures, structured lesson releases, peer discussions, case-based exercises, and applied learning.

The program’s impact is already evident through participant stories:
• “Before this course, I struggled to understand children’s behavior. Now I can spot signs of depression and trauma, respond with empathy, and support them effectively.”
• “The addiction module changed my perspective — recovery takes time, patience, and structured support, not instant solutions.”
• “As a teacher, I now use trust-building and non-judgmental listening, creating a safe space for students to open up.”

These experiences show how the training is transforming classrooms, workplaces, and communities by building confidence, practical skills, and culturally grounded approaches.

This week, participants begin Part Two, which will deepen therapeutic skills, expand case-based learning, and develop strategies for system-level interventions in schools, workplaces, and communities.

While this cohort is currently from Cameroon and Nigeria, the program is designed to scale across Africa, creating a network of informed, compassionate mental health advocates who can respond early, ethically, and effectively — strengthening families, schools, and communities continent-wide.

Images: peer-to-peer weekly mental health discussions, mental health awareness raising, a gathering of widows supported by BERUDA focusing on a range of mental health issues.

25/01/2026

Together We Did This: 2025 Highlights 💫

🌾AGRICULTURE

From humble beginnings to a buzzing centre of learning and growth, 2025 was a year we're proud of.

Our agricultural initiative at the Njinikijem Agricultural Centre flourished, becoming a hands-on hub for organic farming and practical education. We grew everything from cucumbers and carrots to turmeric and ginger, raised pigs, chickens, and fish, and even launched a fish-drying site to support food preservation and income generation.

We trained farmers, students, and vulnerable groups in eco-friendly, chemical-free farming, and we welcomed 40 St. Austin University students for a month-long internship packed with real, on-the-ground learning. Beyond the Centre, our teams shared organic farming knowledge across Magba, Bankim, Ngounso, Fumbot, and the Northwest Region, strengthening food security and sustainable livelihoods.

And in 2026, we’re staying the course!

We can't thank our sponsors enough, those who helped in so many ways, as well as our staff and volunteers who truly believe in the power of nurturing healthy land to grow more resilient communities, and work towards a greener future.

This is what progress looks like when we work and grow together 💚

10/01/2026

❤️Together We Did This: 2025 Highlights ❤️

Close to our heart are initiatives that not only preserve valuable indigenous knowledge but also strengthen community resilience in areas where access to formal healthcare remains limited. So, training our communities in the identification, preparation and benefits associated with the plants found in our natural habitats perfectly complements our work in environmental protection and health and wellbeing.

This work involves training the various groups we work with on the benefits of medicinal plants and their preparations, which can address common health challenges and contribute to building healthier communities.

We are proud to report that in 2025, we trained over 1,300 individuals in the areas of Magba, Bankim, and Ngounso, alongside 430 members of our widow groups. That is 1,730 people reached!

We thought that was pretty great! And we want to thank all of you who provide us with amazing support. Together we truly can make a difference. Thank you from our hearts 💕

08/01/2026

✨Together We Did This: 2025 Highlights ✨

A special highlight of the year for us was in APICULTURE (beekeeping), where BERUDA received recognition from the Cameroon Climate Journalism Network (CCJN) as champions in beekeeping, reflecting our commitment to climate-smart livelihoods and sustainable practices.

Our Director, Ngwainmbi Chia Simon, proudly accepted the prestigious award on behalf of the organization, marking a milestone that represents decades of grassroots impact and innovation.

It's not so much the receiving of the award that is important to us; it's more about the recognition of the importance of beekeeping as part of a holistic development approach. Beekeeping has long been at the heart of BERUDA development initiatives due to its ability to simultaneously address environment, income, and health and wellbeing. A phenomenal tool that we want to spread the word about!

2025 saw our partnership with the North West Bee Farmers' House continue, and we successfully trained two groups of farmers, awarding them certificates of completion, whilst our center in Bamenda continues to operate as a hub where bee farmers filter, bottle, and sell their honey, creating steady opportunities for income generation and community development.

It is our plan for the upcoming year to extend these opportunities to additional regions and rural communities, ensuring that more farmers benefit from the transformative impact that is created by sustainable beekeeping practices.

P.S. Did you know that the word 'Apiculture' means the science of raising or maintaining colonies of bees and their hives, i.e. beekeeping. It comes from the Latin word for bees (Apis!).

05/01/2026

Dear friends, partners, and supporters,

It is with deep gratitude and renewed commitment that we welcome in 2026. The past year has been one of resilience and impact, as we served communities in some of the most difficult circumstances. And despite the challenges of conflict, displacement, and limited resources, we are proud of what we've achieved.

We couldn't have done it without you all - our local communities, our staff, volunteers, national and international partners, and we look forward to bringing you some of these stories over the following weeks that offer a window into our journey over the past year - the lives touched, the projects implemented, and the vision we carry forward into 2026.

We thank you for walking this journey with us. Your support has enabled BERUDA to transform lives and communities, and together we know we can achieve even greater impact in the years ahead.

With gratitude,
Ngwainmbi Chia Simon
Executive Director, BERUDA.

31/12/2025

Wishing for you all - joy, prosperity and good health in 2026 💙

13/12/2025

13/12/2025

We return rejuvenated and inspired after delivering trainings with women participating in our PROMIC programmes. This experience reaffirmed that PROMIC is truly empowering communities, with women at its heart.

The highly interactive sessions were alive with energy, as women openly shared their experiences, ideas, and challenges. Together, we explored new business opportunities, strengthened business plans, and developed practical strategies to support growth and long-term success.

These inspiring women are making such a difference in their communities through activities such as production of garri, waterfufu, sales of beans, corn, cocoyam, poultry farming, hair dressing, tailoring, beaded jewelry making, frying Accra, and liquid soap production.

The significant impact from these training sessions come from opening minds to areas of improvement and opportunities for business growth, and we're proud to support these entrepreneurial endeavors and help women grow their businesses!

The PROMIC team was led by Executive Director Pah Ngwainmbi Chia Simon, and included our Coordinator Komalua Philemon, Ngokse Blessing Shelle, and field worker Justine. We visited and ran trainings for women's groups in Magba, Bankim, Ngounso, and Fumbot.

Thanks to the Swisshand Foundation for sponsoring this initiative - working together to promote micro enterprises and empower women.

05/12/2025

In the development sector, where challenges are real and the workload can be demanding, some days are better than others at igniting the passion that is essential to keep spirits up and projects moving.

In recent days, we were honoured to receive our donor partner SWISSHAND to Cameroon for a three-day workshop in Limbe between the 24-27th of November. It is this partnership that supports our successful PROMIC program, focused on promoting micro-enterprise in women-led groups.

This visit strengthened our partnership, deepened learning across implementing partners within Cameroon, and reminded us how energising face-to-face conversations can be. These in-person conversations not only clarify strategies and strengthen alignment—they also reinforce the relationships that make this work possible.

Thank you, Swisshand, for your ongoing support and shared commitment to empowering global communities.

Read our news for more https://www.beruda.org/news

10/10/2025

🌍🧠 World Mental Health Day 2025

“Access to Services - Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”

On 10 October, we unite globally to recognize that mental health is a fundamental human right, not a privilege.

This year's theme emphasizes the critical need to address mental health in crises. Emergencies such as natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition. Supporting mental well-being during such crises is not just important it saves lives and helps communities recover and rebuild not only as individuals but as communities. That’s why it is essential for everyone, including government officials, health and social care providers, school staff, and community groups to come together. By working hand in hand, we can ensure the most vulnerable have access to the support they need while protecting the well-being of everyone.

In partnership with Global Support Link and Cambridge Elearning Institute UK, BERUDA is dedicated to integrating mental health support into humanitarian efforts, ensuring that communities affected by crises have access to the care they deserve.

We Commit To:

* Raise awareness & reduce stigma, so no one feels alone or ashamed.

* Ensure inclusion, so people of all backgrounds, in all circumstances, have access to mental health support.

* Support caregivers, volunteers, and staff — mental health work is emotionally taxing; those who support others also deserve support.

* Advocate for rights and systems, so mental health is embedded in policy, funding, and every health system, not just in times of crisis but always

* Training and Education: using e‑learning modules to equip people in communities with knowledge about mental health, how to recognize distress, and how to support others.

Together, we can ensure that mental health support is available when it is most needed, offering hope and healing for all communities.

05/10/2025

Our Online Mental Health Training Program officially kicks off tomorrow! 🎉

This 6-month journey — including a 1-month internship, reporting, and certification — is designed to empower participants with practical skills and deep understanding in mental health care.

We’re honoured to be running this programme in partnership with Cambridge E-Learning Institute UK and Global Support Link UK, under the expert guidance of Dr. Anabela Pinto, Professor at Cambridge University. 🌍✨

✅ Spaces are almost full, but there’s still room for a few last-minute enrolments — don’t miss your chance to be part of this life-changing initiative!

📅 Starts: Tomorrow
🌐 Learn more or register now: www.beruda.org

Together, let’s build stronger, healthier communities. 💚

Belo Rural Development Association (BERUDA) is a not-for-profit grassroots organisation based in Cameroon. Founded by a local man with a vision for a brighter future for his community, Simon...