PHASE ONE VISIT

The working visit to Cameroon regarding phase one of African University occurred from December 4 through 15, 2011. The visiting team of seven from the United States included three African University Foundation board members (William Agbor-Baiyee of Indiana University School of Medicine, Cathy Davis of Central Indiana Community Foundation and David Williams Russell, Jr. of Harris and Moberly) and four design professionals from Schmidt Associates (Sarah Hempstead, Corrie Meyer, Martin Sams and Wayne Schmidt). The visit Followed significant planning efforts over a period of 12 months that included a general survey in Tali, Cameroon of the 6.5 square miles reserved for African University, development of master plan for African University and initiation of planning work on phase one buildings by Schmidt Associates.

The purpose of the working visit was to strengthen support in Cameroon and prepare for the first phase of African University. The following are outcomes of the working visit:

Unveiled the African University Master Plan during meetings at 1) Tali Council and 2) United Stated Embassy to Cameroon.


  • Unveiled African University Site Plan during meetings at 1) Tali Council and 2) United Stated Embassy to Cameroon.
  • Discussed opportunities with the Chief of Tali and local key stakeholders for engaging and mobilizing community members to promote the realization of African University.
  • Released outcomes of Tali Area Community Development study at Tali Council meeting.
  • Took pictures throughout visit to enhance marketing and fundraising efforts.
  • Held meetings with potential architectural and construction partners to better understand local construction methods and materials.
  • Confirmed the African University site location with Global Positioning System coordinates.
  • Established the location of the 1 square mile footprint for African University (local surveyor staked an area for phase 1 buildings).
  • Established a design aesthetic for African University campus buildings.
  • Staked roundabout, academic building and 1 housing building.
  • An emergent outcome is an enhanced understanding of how the African University campus can be self-sustaining.

The achievements of the working visit lay the foundation for the following next steps:


  • Develop architectural plans for African University phase one buildings including 1) Faculty/Staff/Visitor Housing Facility, 2) Student Housing Facility and 3) Academic/Community Building.
  • Conduct a professional survey of landscape features for general mapping and construction purposes. The survey should include the shortest route from Tali to the site and 1 square mile reserved for African University facilities.
  • Acquire accreditation for African University in Cameroon.
  • Prepare and initiate marketing and fundraising campaign for phase one of African University.
  • Construct phase one buildings of African University.
  • Recruit and orientate academic and non-academic staff.
  • Recruit students.
  • Open African University.

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge with gratitude the support of the following organizations listed in alphabetical order:

We also thank the people of the Tali community area, African University Planning Board in Cameroon and Rotary Club of Limbe.

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