From Fontem, on the hills of Cameroon, a story of development, dignity and hope shared with the world.
In 1966 the Focolare Movement, founded by Chiara Lubich, arrived in Fontem, at the heart of the Bangwa hills of Cameroon. The Focolare brought a message of universal fraternity and began to build relationships of trust with the local communities, at that time ravaged by malaria and tuberculosis.
It is in this context of community rebirth that Martin Nkafu Nkemnkia grew up, a son of Fontem, destined to become a bridge between African wisdom and world philosophy.
In 1969 the Fontem hospital was built, with the support of the Focolare Movement and international collaboration. Within a few years infant mortality dropped dramatically: from more than 60% to less than 5%. The hospital became a worldwide symbol of participatory community development.
"Africa does not need aid. Africa needs people to believe in its capabilities, its wisdom, its dignity." — Martin Nkafu Nkemnkia
Martin Nkemnkia moved to Rome to study philosophy at the Pontifical Lateran University (PUL), where he later became full professor. He also teaches at the Pontifical Gregorian University and collaborates with academic institutions across Europe, Africa and Asia. African thought finds its voice in the great intellectual forums of the world.
Prof. Nkemnkia develops Vitalogy — a philosophy grounded in vitality as the universal principle of being. A synthesis of African, European and Eastern thought, Vitalogy proposes a holistic approach to life, community and development. His works have been published in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish.
The Nkemnkia Community Development Empowerment International Foundation is formally established to channel development action in Fontem and the Bangwa communities. The Foundation works in synergy with international partners: Focolare, BGF, SGI, PUL, AIWS.
The H₂O project brings clean drinking water to more than 10,000 people in the rural communities of Fontem. Three phases completed, infrastructure in operation, children in school instead of walking kilometres for water. The fourth phase is underway.