Ly Dumas works towards a world where the less fortunate are given a chance at a dignified life on their land. Therefore, the Jean Félicien Gacha Foundation was created to help young Cameroonians to not submit themselves to the risks of crossing an ocean and the perils of an uncertain and often humiliating future. To motivate them to ensure their livelihoods in their own country in an honourable manner, thus contributing to their own and the general well-being of the local communities.

She wishes to encourage the younger generation to feel pride in their culture and roots and assume responsibility for their transmission and survival. The young people are inspired to pass on ancient know-how, preserve tradition and promote African innovations.

Thirty years ago, the hill and the village where the Foundation dwells were a desert. They are now a beautiful garden-like environment where various institutions provide schooling, training and vocational counselling for the next generation and where they can live together in harmony and reconciliation.

Her mother used to tell her: “When you speak, let it be to say what you would like to hear, and never to be hurtful; but at the same time, always try to tell the truth, to be fair.”

Her father, a tireless worker with a powerful, determined gaze, had the soul of a great politician. Proud of his country, he was instrumental in its emancipation. A senior civil servant, he held the position of territorial administrator: he developed the planning of many new towns, including Mbouda, and was one of the first mayor of Bafoussam before independence.

He was erudite, intelligent and selfless, qualities he passed on to his children. His whole life could actually be summarised in the moto he lived by: “We must help others, listen to others, respect others, heal others and above all, love others”.

So, in 2002, animated by her personal view on life and the memory of her father, Ly Dumas set up the Jean-Félicien Gacha Foundation on the historic part of the Boutanga estate, where the land is crisscrossed by an ancient trench, dug by the Bangangte people during their battles against the Bamum. Ly Dumas so inspired by her father’s words, gave them in heritage to her Foundation, they set the core values by which its employees live by, beneficiaries receive and actions are led, thus they pass on and emulate into the world.

The years have passed, and the Jean-Félicien Gacha Foundation celebrated its twentieth anniversary. What a great story!
In two decades, the Foundation has become a major NGO, an ecosystem based on the circular transmission of knowledge to all, no matter who they are or where they come from. Each participant finds their own place. They are able to make a living and support their families in their native land, while taking up the core values received at foundation.