Association of Cameroonian Living in Limerick and Counties (ASCALI& Co.)
ASCALI & Co. was founded in 2004 by Cameroonians living in Limerick and surrounding counties. The association exists to gather Cameroonians eager to build an interdependent group in which they will share their anguishes, sorrows and joys. The ASCALI & Co. helps with the integration of its members in Ireland through a service of reception, information and orientation.
Key Organisational Goals
- Unification and integration of all Cameroonians in Ireland
- Provision of support and resources to Cameroonian asylum seekers and refugees in limerick
- Advocacy and support in the personal affairs of ASCALI&Co members through networks and relationships
- Promotion and sharing of Cameroonian culture with Irish and other ethnic communities
- Build the capacity of ASCALI&Co and its stakeholders
Country Information
Country Facts
Between 200 and 500 BC, the first Bantus emigrated in Cameroon from Northern Nigeria.
With the arrival of Europeans the focus of slave trade shifted to the coastal areas of Cameroon. Deals were also made with traders from England, Holland, France and Germany. The Dutch later took over the slave trade. British missionaries started protesting against the slave trade. When slavery finally died out, trade changed to natural resources like palm oil, ivory and gold.
The British were reluctant to make Cameroon a British protectorate. As a result of this hesitation the Germans won the territory and named the country "Kamerun".
War World I broke out in 1916 and as a result, France and Britain finally forced Germany out of the country.
In 1924, the first President was elected and on February 13th, 1933, the second was elected. In 1960, the President proclaimed Independence, and in 1982 he stepped down. In 1984, Paul Biya won 99.98% of the votes in a presidential election where he was the only candidate.
Cameroon is a unitary republic of central and western Africa. The country is called "Africa in miniature" for its geological and cultural diversity. Natural features include beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests and savannas. The capital of the country is Yaoundé and the largest city is Douala. At 475,442 square km, Cameroon is the world's 53rd largest country. The population is estimated at 19 millions at present. The population is, on the whole, young. An estimated 41% are under 15 and 97% are under 65. The life expectancy is 51years. The country has more than 200 ethnic groups.
The Cameroon football team has been one of the most successful in the world since its strong showing in the World Cup 1990. Cameroon has won four African Cups and the gold medal at the 2000 Olympics.