Room 3 - Basel Mission: Evangelism and Education

The story of the Basel Mission tells of places I have visited, people I know

well, particularly in the Bamoun region (Sultanate of Foumban). This organization, known as

the name Mission 21 since 2001, is a Protestant missionary society founded in 1815. It has

experienced significant development in several regions of the world, including Russia, Côte-

of Gold (today Ghana), India, China, Cameroon, Borneo, Nigeria, America

Latin, Sudan, etc.

At the time of its establishment, the Basel Mission was a branch of the Society of Christianity

German. Its original purpose was to train missionaries for various organizations

Protestant missionaries, each responsible for their missionary posts in the field.

The particularly fascinating history of the Basel Mission in Cameroon developed in

several stages, with an emphasis on evangelism and education. The mission contributed to the

creating schools and teaching programs, producing textbooks and working to

the preservation of local languages. She also played a role in the penetration of the rear-

Cameroonian country.

Interaction with local populations, especially chiefs and elites, was crucial for

mission expansion. The Basel Mission also worked in the Grassfields, where it

opened mission stations and contributed to the spread of European culture through

education and professional training.

However, despite its efforts, the Basel Mission also faced challenges, including

competition with other missions and the rise of Islam. The First World War

led to the hasty departure of the Cameroon mission, putting an end to numerous initiatives in

course.

The story of the Basel Mission is a reminder of the complexities of evangelism and education

in a colonial context, but it also highlights the positive contributions of this

organization in Cameroonian society.