🏫 ME Technical School – Yaoundé
A Practical Vision for Skills, Energy, and Opportunity in Cameroon
Honouring the legacy of the late Cameroon Ambassador to London, Liberia, and Canada who raised me, by transforming his gifted land into a technical skills academy for underprivileged youth in Yaoundé.
The Ambassador's Legacy
I was raised by the late Cameroon Ambassador to London, Liberia, and Canada — a man who shaped my life and values. After his passing, a portion of his land in Yaoundé (20m x 20m) was given to me by the family.
Instead of selling it, I decided to turn it into something that would honour his legacy: a technical skills academy for underprivileged youth in Cameroon.
After decades running a successful electrical company in the UK, I've accumulated the expertise, tools, equipment, and a work van that I intend to donate toward building the school.
The Challenge
Frequent Blackouts
Cameroon suffers from unreliable power infrastructure
Shortage of Skilled Electricians
Critical skills gap in electrical and solar installation
Rising Solar Demand
Growing need for renewable energy solutions
Our Solution
Practical training that directly addresses these problems and gives young people the ability to earn a living independently.
The Container-First Strategy
The land is already fenced and has a functioning borehole. What remains is deploying a fully equipped, self-contained training centre onto the site — ready to operate on day one.
20m × 20m Site
Gifted land in Yaoundé, already fenced with functioning borehole
UK-Built Container
Fully equipped workshop built and shipped from UK
Day-One Ready
Operational immediately upon arrival and setup
Project Phases
Site Preparation & Land Security (2021-2022)
Work Completed
- 20m x 20m land secured from Ambassador's family
- Complete bamboo fencing installed
- Functioning borehole established
- Site cleared and prepared
- Legal documentation secured
Phase 1 - Completed
This foundational phase was completed during Marshall's visit to Cameroon in 2021-2022, establishing the secure site foundation for the technical school.
Build the Turn-Key Training Container in the UK
Container Specifications
- 40ft high-cube container
- Fully insulated with finished flooring
- Complete electrical installation
- Built-in workshop with foldable benches
- Reinforced security system
- UK work van fits inside for shipping
Phase 2 Budget
Ship the Container + Van to Cameroon
Everything is shipped as one sealed, secure unit to Douala port, then transported overland to Yaoundé.
Phase 3 Budget
Logistics Benefits
- Secure sealed shipping protects equipment
- Van and tools ship together safely
- Single shipment reduces complexity
- Cost-effective combined shipping
Deploy and Activate in Yaoundé
Setup Process
- Van is driven out of container
- Foldable benches and shelves deployed
- Solar panels mounted on roof
- Water connected from existing borehole
- Simple toilet system installed
Very minimal local labour required.
Phase 4 Budget
Launch the Apprenticeship Program
Training Program
- First cohort: 6-10 apprentices
- Electrical installation & solar PV training
- Battery storage & safety protocols
- Training is free for underprivileged youth
- Remote teaching + occasional visits
- Real installations as practical training
Phase 5 Budget
Total Project Budget
Complete cost to design, build, ship, install, and launch the ME Technical School
Long-Term Vision
Once the first 40ft unit is active, the foundation is set for expanding into a comprehensive technical education campus.
Additional Training Containers
Expand with specialized workshops for different technical skills
Carpentry Workshop
Dedicated space for woodworking and construction skills
Plumbing Training Container
Water systems and sanitation training facility
Outdoor Covered Teaching Area
Large assembly space for practical demonstrations
Solar/Battery Demonstration Yard
Live renewable energy systems showcase
Accommodation Units
Housing for visiting instructors and extended programs
Future Partnerships
Renewable Energy Companies
Industry collaboration and placement
Government Accreditation
Official certification and recognition
Commercial Installation Teams
Student-run businesses and employment
The aim is clear:
Train young Cameroonians in real, income-generating skills and give them a direct path to employment and empowerment.
Help Build the Future
Support the ME Technical School and help transform the gifted land of a late Ambassador into a beacon of opportunity for Cameroon's youth.
Supporter
- Recognition on school website
- Project updates via email
- Official thank you certificate
Sponsor
- All Supporter benefits
- Plaque with name on school container
- Video call with first graduating class
- Progress photos during build phase
Partner
- All Sponsor benefits
- Name a piece of equipment or area
- Annual video update calls
- Invitation to school opening ceremony
"This container-first strategy is practical, cost-effective, and deployable — and honours the legacy of the ambassador who raised me."
— Marshall Epie, Founder
me@marshallepie.com
Project inquiries & partnerships
Total Budget
£29,400 - £35,400