Easter Swimming 2026
At Children of Cameroon, we listen closely to what the children tell us—sometimes with words, sometimes with smiles, sometimes with stories. And one thing has been clear: they love swimming.
In Easter 2024, we took a group of children swimming in Bamenda. A year later, they were still talking about it. Even in Easter 2025, when we hosted an art party and gave out food gifts instead, children sent us videos unprompted sharing memories of swimming. We think they were hinting. So now, we’re planning ahead. And we’re listening.
The idea
Easter Swimming 2026 is a day out with a difference. It’s not just about fun—though there’ll be plenty of that. It’s about giving children an experience they remember for years to come, a rare opportunity to play, learn, and feel free.
Many children in Cameroon don’t get to go on day trips. Swimming isn’t just a treat—it’s a life-saving skill. We make sure the day is safe, inclusive, and exciting by hiring trained swimming instructors and adult support.
In 2024, we took 16 children swimming in Bamenda with two trained teachers, and it was one of the most joyful days of the year. In 2026, we want to do even more.
Why now?
We didn’t take the children swimming in 2025, simply because we didn’t have the funds to run it safely. This time, we’re starting early so we can plan properly—and give as many children as possible a day to remember.
If we raise the funds in time, we’d love to take our children from Belo swimming too. We haven’t done this before, because the pool is too far to walk, but we’d like to hire transport so they can join the Bamenda group.
Bringing the Belo and Bamenda children together would mean around 40 children at one swimming party and a chance to make new friends across regions. In the past, some of the friendships made on swimming days have lasted ever since.
We also want to include Godwill and Henrietta, two children who live further away and are often left out of these trips due to travel difficulties. We’re determined to make sure they’re included this year. They deserve to be there too.
The plan
Here’s what we’re aiming for:
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10 children from Yaoundé
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20 children from Bamenda
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20 children from Belo (depending on transport funding)
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+ 2 children from remote areas
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Swimming teachers: One for every 10 children
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Adult supervision: One adult per 7 children
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Resources needed: Swimming costumes, towels, food, transport, pool entry, swimming teachers, support staff
🗓️ We need to raise the full amount by March 2026, so we have time to buy supplies and make proper arrangements.
💸 Estimated budget:
How can you help?
If you'd like to support this project, we’d be so grateful. Every donation helps cover the cost of pool hire, safety supervision, swimwear, food, and transport.
Even the smallest contribution helps us build a day the children will remember for years.
Quotes from past trips
“I went swimming and since then, the memories can’t get out of my mind. I went swimming for the first time and I am proud of it.” - Bill Bright
“How did you spend your Easter? Because mine was spent as I went swimming with the other children of Cameroon in a pool. It was a great experience in my life. I enjoyed every bit of it.” - Betrand (in his message to his sponsor)
“The time of my life going to the pool for my first time. I was so happy because I was with other children” - Betila
“I just want to thank you for the swimming that we went out and enjoyed. It was my very first time and it was really fun. I am grateful.” - Kiara
“I just want to thank you for making my Easter holiday a fun time. It was so good - visiting the swimming pool for my first time. And it was great - I enjoyed every bit of it.” - Cyril