Yaounde, Cameroon

[samoa]

Hi All,

My dh has accepted a job offer in Yaounde, Cameroon. We are set to move there in 3/4 months. I am very happy to be moving there. We have a 1yr old dd.

Are there any mumsnetters living there at the moment? If there are could you please tell me a bit about the place, what to expect and any additional advice.
Thanks!

anyone?

Blimey - I think you will be lucky to find someone else living there!
My parents lived there but way back in the mid-1990's (FCO). I visited a few times, but a long time before I had children. It is an extremely interesting and exciting country but I am not sure how much there would be to do with young children. You are a long way from the sea in Yaounde, but if you don't mind a bit of a drive there are some nice coastal resorts (or there were...). The north is amazing, truely stunning. The largest expat community will be the French - not sure if you have looked into schooling but I am assuming there will be French schools, not sure what else will be on offer for expats.
Have you seen any post reports? The Tales From a Small World website is useful, it is American but covers a lot of questions.
I think there is a MN'er (I think she was themasterandmargaritas but has probably name changed) who was in Douala at one point - I have a feeling she is in Nairobi now.

I knew some American diplomats who were in Yaounde from 2004 - 2008. They had young children (about 5 - 9 yrs old I think) and had a fairly good time, or at least were positive about it. The only negative thing I remember is that they said the schools weren't good, although that's not relevant for your little dd yet. I remember them speaking highly of their local friends and colleagues, nannies and house-staff, whom they found friendly, loyal and welcoming.

Presuming you're not FCO and already have their help, have you already contacted the UK High Commission there, and also the US embassy? Their websites have links to living in Yaounde. Ask for their CLO (community liaison officer) who is usually a spouse looking after family interests and may just possibly give you some free advice and contacts even if you're not British or American.
ukincameroon.fco.gov.uk
yaounde.usembassy.gov

Good luck, and hope you get lots of regional travel in while you're there.

Hi Samoa, Stranded is right, I was in Douala for four years and now in Nairobi and loved it.

All my Yaounde based friends have now moved on but I am happy to talk to you about Cameroon in general and can give you a Douala based vv good friend. Feel free to PM me.