Who we are

Founded in 2022, Um Gwet House of Hope was established to make thriving easier for individuals facing hardships in communities across Cameroon.

Starting with providing supplies to children in orphanages, the organization has expanded to supporting women and the elderly.

Since then, the House has expanded from the “Les Oeuvres Malika” Orphanage helping 13 kids aged 2 to 15 years old, to several others located in the capital, Yaounde.

Across Cameroon, many individuals face challenges such as no access to the basic necessities of life, the opportunity for education, and the healthcare they need to thrive.

We envision a world where every person has access to the basic necessities of life, the opportunity for education, and the healthcare they need to thrive.

Our Vision

Our Mission

The House of Hope is dedicated to improving the lives of orphans, women, and the elderly by providing essential resources, educational opportunities, and healthcare services.

Our Team

Yannick Um Gwet (Board Member/ Founder/CEO)

Yannick founded Um Gwet House of Hope in 2022 which he self-funded from his income after seeing the plight of so many in the community of his home country, Cameroon. He manages overall leadership, and strategic direction.Yannick is an experienced hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience under his belt. He has traveled the world working for some of the most prestigious hotel chains like Marriott, Wyndham, Kempinski and InterContinental.

Susan Briggs-Barr (Board Member/CFO)

Susan is an entrepreneur and visionary leader with a multicultural background spanning the continents. Her ability to raise capital and fund projects across industries, have shaped her influence in both education and entertainment. Leveraging her extensive network, she is responsible for raising funds through donations, grants, and events and overseeing the planning and evaluation of programs and services; manages budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with regulations.

Therese-Alphonse NGO UM (Board Member/International Program Director)

Therese is a former hospitality entrepreneur with a strong background in managing operations, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and skilled in leadership. In recent years, she has been managing ground operations for Um Gwet House of Hope ensuring that all programs run smoothly and stakeholders are kept up-to-date on all decisions.

Stevenna Slovine Doumbe (Officer - Secretary)

Stevenna is an administrative professional who assists with on-the-ground operations  of programs and services and responsible for inventory of all donations received in Cameroon. She works closely with our Program Director to ensure accurate distribution of all donations across our programs.

Samuel Gaston Um Um (Education Facilitator)

Samuel is a Science Professor with a passion for fostering student engagement and critical thinking. He is experienced in curriculum development, mentorship, research, and skilled in blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications to inspire the next generation of scientists. He is also a Saxophonist - Flutist for several clubs in Cameroon. He initiated and facilitated the Music project in Savio.