About us
INTRODUCTION
We work every day to uplift communities and strengthen equality
CAFSD (Commonwealth Association for Sustainable Development) is committed to restoring dignity, opportunity, and hope for women, children, and families facing hardship.
Many of those we support have experienced poverty, homelessness, trauma, or displacement. Through compassionate programs and practical assistance, we help individuals rebuild their lives with confidence and independence.
Our work focuses on both immediate relief and long-term empowerment—ensuring every person has access to food, safety, education, emotional support, and the chance for a brighter future.
We believe in strong, inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
No poverty
Education & Skills
Safe Shelter
Emotional Wellness
Nutrition & Health
Claris Nkwenti (CEO CAFSD)
Claris Nkwenti is a Cameroonian-born, US based humanitarian, social work professional, and the Founder of the Commonwealth Association for Sustainable Development (CAFSD)—a mission born not from comfort, but from conviction.
Her journey began in Cameroon, where—despite struggling to meet her own basic needs—she consistently visited widows, orphans, and prison inmates to share food, compassion, and hope. In those moments of sacrifice, Claris made a covenant with God: if blessed, she would never turn away from human suffering. That promise became the foundation of her life’s work.
Today, Claris is honoring that covenant. CAFSD is officially registered in the United States and Cameroon and actively provides services across multiple African countries, including Gambia, Congo, and Nigeria, through trusted local agents and partnerships—with plans to expand even further.
Claris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts earned in Cameroon and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) in the United States. Her academic training, combined with lived experience, fuels her trauma-informed, dignity-centered approach to service. She is particularly passionate about supporting widows, orphans, and young single mothers, because she understands—personally and deeply—what it means to lack shelter, food, protection, and opportunity.
CAFSD exists because Claris believes poverty should never silence potential, and compassion should never wait for abundance.
“Many of those we support have experienced poverty, homelessness, trauma, or displacement. Through compassionate programs and practical assistance, we help individuals rebuild their lives with confidence and independence”.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CAFSD
Claris Nkwenti
CEO
Linda Akaba
Treasurer
Nelson Mbanga
Fin. Sec.
Rena Oshogbole
Secretary
Anita Bangsi
Advicer
Tangie Clement
PRO
Bie Josephine
PRO
GET INVOLVED NOW
Make a difference today
Become a volunteer
Your time and care can create life-changing impact for families in need.
Volunteer with CAFSD to support food drives, youth mentorship, skills workshops,
and emotional wellness activities. Every helping hand brings hope to someone
facing hardship — and strengthens our community.
Donate to support
Your generosity fuels our mission to protect and uplift vulnerable women,
children, and families. Donations help provide meals, safe shelter, counseling,
education programs, and emergency assistance. When you give, you become part
of someone’s journey toward healing and independence.
Become a partner
Partner with CAFSD to create long-term community impact.
Whether you represent a business, school, church, or organization,
your collaboration allows us to reach more families, expand critical
programs, and build a stronger, more supportive society together.