A flagship 10-year engagement by SBMC providing infrastructure, scholarships, motivational support, an agriculture project, and a permanent secretariat — under the guidance of Project Officer Ernest L. Molua (Class of 1983).
Ernest L. Molua — Project Officer of SOBA Buea Chapter (SJC Class of 1983)
The relationship between the Sasse Old Boys' Association (SOBA) Buea chapter and their alma mater of Saint Joseph's College Sasse is akin to a father-and-son relationship. In the last 50 years, the Buea Chapter has looked back with love, translating personal and collective successes to meaningful efforts that uplift the college.
This engagement has deepened the sense of belonging, continuity, and shared purpose between past and present members of the chapter as they collectively team up for a common objective: giving back to Sasse. In the last 10 years alone the heightened engagement has embodied gratitude, stewardship, and a collective commitment to academic excellence and social progress.
Activities and projects include
- Organizing motivational talks and coaching sessions to students.
- Annual visit to examination classes during blocked-period for encouragement and moral support.
- Annual joint Easter celebration between chapter executive, students and staff in the college campus.
- Annual prize awards to meritorious students and staff.
- Regular financial and other in-kind support to needy students and staff.
- Consoling with college authorities and student-body following unfortunate incidents including the death of students.
- Support the college following militant attacks on staff and students, and the fire incident on the St Martin dormitory.
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship through an agriculture project.
The Agriculture Project
The agriculture project initiated by the chapter is a flagship project under the supervision of SOBAN Joseph Ndembe Ikundi (1958 class) and coordination of SOBAN Dr. Amos Namanga Ngongi (1959 class). Students in the college have been encouraged to form an Agriculture Club and grow horticultural crops, supervised by their teachers with mentorship from Soban Ngongi and field supervision by Soban Ikundi. By supporting students and staff in developing new ideas in agriculture-related technologies, alumni become active partners in national development and job creation.
According to the President of SOBA Buea Mother Chapter, Barrister Kameni John Sichui: "SOBA Buea projects in SJC Sasse, which have been more than financial support, have been a testament to shared identity and enduring partnership. The rationale for SOBA Buea intervening in Sasse College is not only to be partners in capacity building, but as conscious effort to contribute to strengthening the institutional capacity and reputation of the college."
Feedback from current and previous Administrators of the college reveals that these projects have led to tangible improvements in teaching and learning. They have not only elevated the institution's academic environment but also enhanced its reputation and competitiveness.
The Permanent Secretariat
To cap the project initiative, the SOBA Buea chapter has acquired land for the building of its permanent secretariat complete with meeting rooms, office spaces and conference facilities. This is an edifice which will encapsulate the pride of Sasse and the dignity of SOBA, and shall reinforce SOBA Buea's eternal love for SJC Sasse.