Oben, who joined the NFL in 1996, was born in Cameroon and moved to Washington D.C. at the age of five. Like many professional athletes, Oben has made a commitment to “give back” to his communities and his birthplace. Since 2004, Oben has worked with a couple of organizations to facilitate his charitable efforts in Africa. Specifically, Roman was able to work through a government- approved agency, LINK-Up Charity Foundation, who assisted in identifying and evaluating local needs.
Oben has also been pleased to support the Cultural, Technological, and Environmental Exchange Program (CTEE) from West Ottawa High School in Holland, Michigan. Part of the mission of CTEE is the promotion of access to computer technology in the classroom.
After reviewing numerous charitable requests, Oben selected projects he felt would benefit most directly from his involvement while providing him the opportunity for “hands-on” participation.
Below are year by year descriptions of Oben’s Africa Outreach initiatives:
In 2004
Purchase of 195 textbooks and payment of academic fees for 65 primary school children in Buea at:
The Government Practising School (GPS) – Molyko- 29 pupils
The Catholic Primary School (C.S) – Small Soppo – 36 pupils
Construction of a dormitory for the Handicapped And Orphanage Training, Production And Esctacy Centre (HOTPEC), also in Buea
In 2005
Provision of bunk beds and mattresses for HOTPEC dormitory completed in 2004
Funded a freshwater pipeline supply system at HOTPEC handicapped orphanage
Seed Funding for LINK-Up Charity Foundation, which allowed the charity to formalize their operations through securing a 500 square foot office that can house two to three staff members and a second computer
In 2006
Construction of a classroom undertaken for HOTPEC
Funded the overseas shipment of 230 computers, which were used to complete the installation of the largest computer network in West Africa through a collaborative relationship with the CTEE program
In 2007
The provision of classroom desks for a classroom previously built with foundation support at HOTPEC Orphanage in Beau
The purchase of core textbooks and academic fees for 90 pupils at schools in Nguti and Manyeman
The provision of computers, tables, chairs and fax machine for a computer training center at Link Up Charity Foundation in Beau
As a side project, Oben will pay for renovations urgently needed for two homes whereby the children are being raised by their grandmothers. The homes are described as “dilapidated thatch hut with holes on the roof and the walls”. The first are two girls who live with their grandmother who is over eighty years old, partly blind and their only surviving relative. The second is another orphan who is responsible for caring for her grandmother who is paralyzed and has been bed ridden for the past three years