An interest in the welfare of humanity and desire to help those in need had always been the daily routine of Tawah Agnes and James right up to their last breath. Holding the virtue of love and care, they portrayed the willingness to save lives whatever it took. A symbol of strength, leadership and responsibility.
With a great sense of perfectionism, they helped the needy and offered scholarships to meritorious students for them to pursue their studies and make good use of their intelligence.
Adopting and taking care of children, providing working tools to women of the rural areas were most of the activities Agnes and James Tataw are remembered for.
With such selfless and philanthropic attitude, their children thought it wise to keep it up by launching the Agnes and James Tataw Foundation, a non-governmental organization that reflects the values of kindness and charity that the deceased portrayed.
To this effect, the minister of territorial administration signed a decree permitting the NGO for a renewable period of 3 years , to contribute to the welfare of the vulnerable and the displaced through their orientation in the domains of education, vocational training and community health.
The founder and family head, Mrs. Bekolo Tataw Dorothy, the brain behind this NGO, just wanted to make sure her parents’ legacy lives on.
“We saw our parents taking care of children who weren’t our siblings. We saw our parents paying school fees for many other children. Daddy loved excellence and in many different occasions, he gave scholarships to brilliant children because he wanted to give them the opportunity to continue. He based himself on children who are in need and are intelligent and he kept on thinking that in order to boost the development of the country, we need to give women autonomy. He used to tell us that health is wealth so from time to time he offered free medical care to the population, free surgery, free lenses amongst many. We decided to create this foundation to try to keep the memory of our parents when they were still alive. The Bible says honor your parents and this is the best way of doing it.”
During the launching ceremony last December chaired by the Minister of Defense who doubles as the patron alongside various personalities, it was a moment to remember all what the couple did to help humanity, how loyal they were to their friends, family and society, how they believed in ethics and strove for excellence.
Many family members testified that they helped others even to their own detriment and had deep empathy.
The Minister of Defense Beti Assomo Joseph after assisting the well organized launch, gave a promise to support the NGO.
“We have taken a disposition so that a support every year will come from the ministry of defence. It shall be a contribution to the charge of the foundation such that the needy are being catered for. I wish a lot of success to this foundation which has a value in defending and protecting others. So that the name of General James Tataw remains always in the spirit of their
descendants. “
Agnes Tataw was a one-time deputy Mayor of Mamfe Council and James Tataw was a General, military commander, former president of FECATENNIS and the paramount chief of the Ossing village in the Manyu Division from 2006 to 2019. They both had 10 children and adopted many others. Agnes slept with the Lord in the year 1996 while her husband James joined her years after
in 2019.
The Minister of Special Duties at the Presidency, Mengot Victor Arrey who also chaired the event expressed his appreciation and support for the AJ Foundation.
“We are here to reaffirm our dedication, compassion and support. In a world that couples the struggles of the less fortunate, we believe that that AJ foundation will shine brightly as a beacon of hope, providing essential support creating lasting positive change in the community and a reminder that each of us have a role to play in fostering a more beautiful and careful society. The
AJ foundation is poised to make a meaningful impact through its various initiatives and by focusing on empowerment and sustainable solutions, the foundation will certainly help transform lives and create a future where equity and respect are accorded to everyone.”
To crown the day, scholarships of excellence were given to children of secondary and high school, the needy girl child, agricultural tools were donated to the women of Manyu in memory of Agnes and James Tataw.
