Nwabufo Ngnedjou Françoise Foute is a public health specialist, community leader, and President of the Family Health and Development Foundation (FAHEDEF) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. With training in nursing, midwifery and public health, and as a PhD candidate in International Development, Françoise has devoted her life and work to community-driven development rooted in compassion, dignity, and care for the most vulnerable.

 

Since 2019, her work has focused especially on supporting refugees, widows, women, and children through integrated programs in health, education, women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, agroecology and food transformation, digital literacy, spiritual development, and arts and culture. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she received a peace award in 2025.

 

Françoise is also an accomplished organizational leader, serving as a trustee and advisor to multiple organizations. Her experience in governance, strategic planning, social entrepreneur, and community implementation has shaped sustainable initiatives that strengthen families and foster long-term resilience. FAHEDEF, founded in 2013, is dedicated to improving access to healthcare, education, financial literacy, and community development opportunities for families in Cameroon and beyond, including Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs and cooperative-based economic initiatives.

 

Françoise will focus this year on Times of Refreshing—a theme drawn from her lived experience of community renewal, spiritual attentiveness, and collective restoration. The insights from her work on the ground, exploring what it means for individuals and communities to return to what restores life, dignity, and hope, and how moments of renewal can open new possibilities for healing and collaboration.