Meet the Team
Emmanuel Neba Fuh - The Founder
At a time of heightened concern in Britain about the presence of asylum seekers and refugees who are viewed negatively,
with scary stories demonising and justifying their unequal treatment, the accomplishments of one of these refugees has w
prompted many to agree that "a bundle of belongings isn't the only thing refugees bring to their new country".
Emmanuel at the Year of the
Volunteer 2005 Awards
Emmanuel 35, was born in Cameroon into a middle class family. After receiving primary and secondary education
at local Baptist and government secondary schools, Emmanuel was sent to the Cameroon College of Arts
Science and Technology (CCAST) Bambili, a Southern Cameroons institute of some repute. It was
while he was studying in CCAST in early 1990, that he wholeheartedly joined student resistant campaigns, for the defiance
of a one party system in Cameroon. At a time of huge military mobilization, extra judicial execution, and an
atmosphere of fear, intimidation and apprehension, Soweto Massacre lessons prompted Emmanuel to explore the works of
Nelson Mandela and Rev Martin Luther King, which opened his eyes and was crucial in the awakening of his social conscience.
His relentless fight for a democratic and free society for all Cameroonians brought him in collision with the government.
His consistent refusal to compromise his political beliefs, coupled with the killings of some of his loved ones led to his exit from Cameroon.
Emmanuel holds a Honours degree in Applied
Community Work and Social care from the University of Derby, and is a father of three.
As former chair of the Derby Refugee Forum, Emmanuel created an awareness of why people become refugees, reduced the negative
stereotype attached to refugees, and played a pivotal role in building bridges between refugees and their host communities.
As Connexions project worker, Emmanuel was responsible for the education of African
and Afro-Caribbean children and young people.
He also worked at the Derby Community Safety Partnership, as a Group Facilitator on the Domestic Violence Male Perpetrator Programme,
and is also on the Derbyshire Constabulary Independent Advisory Board.
As Amnesty International (UK section) speaker for schools, colleges and universities,
Emmanuel travels across the country making
huge positive impact on young people's perceptions of refugees and asylum seekers
and educates them on human rights. Emmanuel's relentless efforts in giving a
voice to destitute asylum seekers earned him numerous awards. In 2005, he was propelled into the glare of national news media after
scooping one of highest accolades in the country for his volunteering work at the Theatre Royal in London, which he dedicated to
"those whose voices cannot be heard".
Emmanuel's ability to think beyond "here and now" and visualise the place he wants to be and a time frame to get there, has captured
the imagination of many people. His ability to dedicate his innermost strength in overcoming numerous negative influences that
keeps many people grounded makes him one of a kind. Apart from refusing to let others define who he is, he never allows limitations
others have placed on to him deter him from his breathtaking dream "to usher his beloved Africa from the depths of corruption, poverty,
famine, deprivation, racial intolerance and ethnic conflicts into the open arms of the international community".
The fact that what he wants to accomplish had never been accomplished before does not frighten him into not giving it a try.
Select images to view full size:
