Pierre Fokem
Pierre Fokem was born in a village located in West Cameroon, to parents who were farmers. His mum used to sell her crops and use the meagre profits she would make, to finance his studies. He lost his father in his twenties. He moved to the city of Douala to further his education and have access to professional opportunities.
Before embarking on a career as an Accountant and Tax expert, he trained in the army and became a military reserve officer. His studies in management and his time in the army sharpened skills such as rigor, discipline and bravery, which were necessary to excel in his career. Indeed, he spent his professional life with the accounting firm ECA EGIC (now Ernst & Young) and went on to create his own firm after 30 years of employment; providing tax accounting to businesses and individuals. He used this same private firm as a tool to help his community by providing discounted or free services to many.
Pierre Fokem ensured that his children would have the best education a father with his means could offer. He had a passion for learning and instilled a sense of hard work and resilience to his children.
He was a member of a few social and sport clubs; some of which also provided charity services to the community. He was part of the congregation of his local parish in his village.
Our story
I was thinking about my father on my way to Cameroon. I was going to bury my father who had just passed away, following a short illness.
As I thought of dad, his generosity and social impact, I knew he had to keep helping people beyond his grave.
Although he lived in the city of Douala and had an important social and philanthropic impact, our dad was committed to developing the community in his village, in the western part of Cameroon. He was responsible for bringing electricity to his community as well as contributing to the local school and construction of the local parish.
Education had always been close to his heart. He financed the studies of several people in and outside of the extended family throughout his life. His spirit lives through the Foundation Pierre Fokem, to continue to touch the lives of people who don’t have access to some basic human needs.
- Christelle Milojkovic (Founder)