In African culture, the elderly have always been held in high esteem, and accorded special social status. They are a source of wisdom, influencing who we aspire to be.
Reason why Theresa Care Home (TECAH) pioneer Fako and South West Region has come to put smiles on the faces of the old and elderly parents, orphans, youths, internally displayed people (IDPs), street children and widows, giving them hope and a future.
The launching ceremony took place on February 27, 2025 at Samco, Mile 4 Limbe, CEO Taku Noela emphasised that TECAH is founded on the principles of love, integrity and sincerity.
The initiative, spearheaded by visionary leader Taku Noela Amuan, seeks to restore dignity and offer support to some of society’s most neglected populations.
The organisation aims to provide a care platform for elderly parents, create opportunities for youth and adults to discover their potential, and offer rehabilitation services for those with mental disabilities.
It will also conduct door-to-door visits, organise counseling sessions, and work to subsidise medical bills for its registered elderly members. A vision born from compassion.
Speaking about the inspiration behind TECAH, Taku Noela shared a heartfelt story of how the idea was conceived in 2019, just days before the passing of her paternal grandmother, Mama Theresa Wakia.
She described her grandmother as a woman with a heart of gold, whose kindness and compassion influenced the foundation of the care home that now bears her name.
“Theresa Care Home (TECAH) in abbreviation is a home aimed at putting smiles on the faces of the elderly by giving and showing them the love and care they need.
As Mother Teresa once said, it is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving”, Taku Noela stated.
Although the vision was first conceived in 2019, it became a reality when TECAH was legalised by the Government of Cameroon on November 8, 2022.
Since then, the organisation has been working to establish partnerships with medical centers to subsidise healthcare costs for the elderly and to collaborate with the Ministry of Social Affairs to align with national social welfare efforts.
“TECAH has a plan to partner with medical centers where the medical bills of the elderly registered members will be subsidised to 50%.
“We at TECAH will follow suit with the Ministry of Social Affairs on technical and administrative assistance, considering that the activities of TECAH are in line with those of the Ministry of Social Affairs”, the TECAH vision bearer noted.
A partnership for social good The event was graced by Susan Nwalipenja, the Divisional Delegate of Social Affairs, who acknowledged the vital role TECAH will play in addressing the needs of elderly citizens.
She commended the founder, Taku Noela for taking on a responsibility that many overlook, particularly in a society where the elderly are often marginalised.
“In the South West region, there has been no official center taking care of the elderly until now. This initiative is groundbreaking, and as representatives of the Ministry of Social Affairs, we pledge our support to ensure TECAH succeeds”, Nwalipenja stated.
She further emphasised that TECAH is filling a gap that aligns with the government’s mission to care for socially vulnerable people.
To the elderly people she said, “The message I have for the elderly is that they should have hope.
Who knew that it is a baby like this who will come and think about the elderly to open a center for them? So, they should always have hopes that things can improve and some of us will join them very soon”.
A call to action Beyond providing physical and medical assistance, TECAH will focus on emotional and psychological well-being.
Through structured counseling, entertainment, and educational sessions, the organisation hopes to enrich the lives of the elderly and provide a support system for those who have dedicated their lives to building the community.
The launch of TECAH signals a significant step toward improving the lives of vulnerable groups in Fako, the South West Region and Cameroon in general.
With backing from the Ministry of Social Affairs and other stakeholders, Taku Noela and her team remain committed to ensuring that elderly individuals and marginalised groups receive the care, respect, and support they deserve.
The Founder of TECAH in her interview to the press said, “I am more than happy today because the Minister of Social Affairs has received my name and that of Theresa Care Home in Yaoundé. So that is one of the joy I have”,
“We are going to do a door- to-door visitation of registered members in order to fully do a check on their entire welfare”,
“Furthermore, we will be organising counseling sessions in order to better understand their welfare and talk about healthy ageing, hygiene, dieting and entertainment with games and more”,
For those who are with disabilities and having dependent children, we will ensure that their education will be borne by the government of Cameroon”.
As the initiative takes off, the community looks forward to seeing TECAH grow into a beacon of hope, fulfilling its mission of putting smiles on faces and giving hope for the future.
BY A CORRESPONDENT
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Divisional Delegate for Social Affairs Fako, Susan Nwalipenja cutting inauguration ribbon
Vision bearer of TECAH, Taku Noela speaking to the press
Divisional Delegate Scial Affairs, Susan Nwalipenja speaks to the press as bearer of TECAH, Taku Noela looks on
Vision bearer father’s applauding daughter for job well done
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