Cameroon Catalyst A student driven international development charity empowering sustainable change in
Eastern Cameroon.
Committee members
Oliver Gregory
Ali Zomorrodian
Tom Beere
Elianne Cann
Tia Joseph
Declan Popham
Maliha Khatun
Tom Leedham
Eddie Newman
Pamela Shahbakhti
Dan Corbett
Ed Smith
Ellie Ironside
Joseph Galliers
Every summer, University of Southampton students board a flight to Eastern Cameroon and return having changed lives. Cameroon Catalyst offers something truly rare: the opportunity to travel to Cameroon and witness first-hand the direct impact of your work on the people who need it most. From newly functioning wells to children sleeping safely under mosquito nets, the effects are visible, personal, and lasting. The Southampton chapter operates across three teams, Design, Fundraising, and Medical, each playing a vital role in making that impact possible.
The Design team have been investigating the ongoing plans to renovate the JHC medical centre in Bambouti, and working alongside the fundraising on the multi-year project. This is part of a wider renovation project across Bambouti, focusing on healthcare, power, and water availability, alongside the maintenance of the existing water supply networks and wells across the wider eastern Cameroon region. These projects are currently in the surveying and research stages, with progress to be made regarding their development following the next CamCat summer research trip.
The Medical team have successfully delivered their pioneer project, a malaria intervention, during the July 2025 trip to Eastern Cameroon. Working house by house in the village of Bambouti, the team conducted surveys and interactive village-wide workshops focusing on malaria prevention, with emphasis on the correct use of mosquito nets. The team then distributed 100 nets, prioritising households with children under five and pregnant women. Post-workshop surveys were conducted and hands-on support was offered with net installation. Helping to fund this work, the team achieved runner-up in the Pulses for Change university competition, a fantastic recognition of the project’s impact.
Without the Fundraising team, the interventions we perform would not be possible. At our Easter Bonanza at UoS, we managed to raise over £400, and other fundraising events include singing carols in Winchester, our Winter Wonderland and Halloween Helper, and personal fundraising such as sponsored walks and runs. Next year, we plan to dedicate an entire month to raising money via a multitude of personal challenges
