THE ASSOCIATION
“Le Sourire de Carine” is a non-profit association founded in 2024 by Stéphanie M., driven by a profound desire for solidarity and social justice.
Its action focuses on supporting materially disadvantaged populations, with particular attention to towns and villages in Cameroon, the founder's home country.
The association stands out for its concrete, targeted initiatives, in particular:
-Promoting access to education for young people, by offering them the resources and support they need to succeed in school.
-Supporting women in their maternity journey, from pregnancy to childbirth, by guaranteeing them appropriate human and material support.
With “Le Sourire de Carine”, every gesture of solidarity contributes to shaping a fairer, more promising future for entire communities.
MAKE A DONATION / BECOME A VOLUNTEER
To make a donation to the association, you can :
- Provide a free financial contribution, anonymous or not.
- Grow our community or give your time by registering as a “volunteer” by paying 20 euros/year as a membership fee.
The “Le sourire de Carine” association thanks you in advance for all your generous donations.
DONATION COLLECTION STRATEGY
We firmly believe that everyone has something to offer and something to receive: financial resources, food, time, personal energy... or simply a smile.
It is in this spirit of reciprocity that ‘Le Sourire de Carine’ promotes a model of solidarity-based sharing that goes far beyond simple unilateral aid.
This vision is reflected in an innovative, participative funding strategy. In addition to donations from generous contributors, the association is developing paid-for services and activities, with all profits going to support its activities.
These services, offered to the general public, are made possible by the commitment of volunteers - both professional and non-professional - who are willing to contribute their know-how and energy to the cause.
With this model, everyone becomes an agent of change and contributes to a virtuous circle where everyone gives, receives and grows together.
THE DONATION STRATEGY
To ensure that donations are managed efficiently, transparently and fairly, the association ‘Le Sourire de Carine’ is implementing a structured strategy based on the principles of rigour and proximity.
1. Selection of beneficiaries
- Frequency: A rigorous selection process is carried out every 6 months.
- Targets: 10 to 20 beneficiaries are selected per priority category (young people, pregnant women, etc.).
- Criteria: The precariousness of the applicants' resources is verified on the ground by local volunteers, to ensure that the aid reaches the most disadvantaged.
2. Distribution of funds
- The funds collected and available are not given directly to the beneficiaries, but are paid to the hospital, school or college concerned.
- To ensure optimum follow-up, the association concentrates on one institution at a time (a hospital, school or college).
3. Monitoring and transparency
- A report on the actions carried out (aid provided, impact, beneficiaries involved) is published on the association's communication platforms (website, social networks, etc.).
- This approach guarantees total transparency for donors and stakeholders.
With this strategy, ‘Le Sourire de Carine’ ensures that each donation reaches its target in an effective, traceable and measurable way.
THE ACTION ZONE: CAMEROON, AFRICA IN MINIATURE
Cameroon, nicknamed ‘Africa in miniature’, is a secular state located in Central Africa, in the hollow of the Gulf of Guinea. This nickname comes from the diversity of its landscapes, cultures and natural resources, which represent a unique cross-section of the African continent.
Often referred to as ‘The Continent’ because of this diversity, Cameroon stands out for its human warmth and legendary hospitality. It's a great country to live in, with a cultural wealth that leaves no visitor indifferent.
However, the economic picture is more mixed. The average household income is around 250 euros a month, a figure that conceals deep inequalities. The gap between the richest and the poorest is considerable, leaving many families in a precarious situation.
It is against this backdrop that the association ‘Le Sourire de Carine’ is focusing its efforts, with the aim of reducing inequalities and improving the living conditions of vulnerable groups, particularly young people and pregnant women. Through its solidarity initiatives, it is helping to build a fairer and more equitable future in the heart of this ‘continent in miniature’.