SOBA Dallas was founded in early 1995 as one of the first five chapters of SOBA America. Its pioneer president was Soban Cornelius Ndemba. After hosting the National Convention of May 1998, SOBA Dallas gradually lost momentum and eventually faded. In late 2005, a core group of Sobans living in the DFW metroplex led by Dr. Henry Simo, decided to re-launch SOBA Dallas. Some of these Sobans were Edwin~Daniel Ndoko, Dr. Francis Njie, Dr. Henry Njie, Mr. Sona Elonge, and Mr. Frederick Itoe.
Ever since, SOBA Dallas has grown from its original seven members to over twenty-three active members. SOBA Dallas eventually hosted the National convention in May 2011 and a Mini-Convention in November 2013. In many ways SOBA Dallas has reinvented and established itself as one of the most dynamic, innovative and pacesetting chapters of SOBA America over the past five years.
SOBA Dallas has successfully attracted and retained the attendance of Sobans from before 1970 to those who graduated within the last 10 years ago. Bridging the gap between the old and the young is not just a slogan but a reality in Dallas. We have members as young as 23 years old of age and of ages across the spectrum. We pride ourselves in locating new Sobans who move into town and welcoming them to our meetings.
SOBA Dallas has forged strong relationships and collaboration with our local community as well as other alumni associations.
about
Saint joseph's College, Sasse
Saint Joseph’s College, Sasse, Buea, also known fondly as Sasse College, was the first college in the English-speaking region of the West-African nation of Cameroon. It was opened on February 1st, 1939 by the Mill Hill Missionaries following letter No. 308/25 of 17th November, 1938 from Mr. E.A.L. Gaskin, Senior Education Officer for the then colonial Cameroon Province, authorizing the establishment of the college. It is situated in Buea in the South West Region of Cameroon, at the foot of the Buea Mountain (tallest mountain in West Africa).
Sasse College is a catholic, all male boarding school that provides education at the first cycle (secondary) and high school levels. Sasse College has trained and produced distinguished scholars in all works of life – politics, health, clergy, engineering, legal, accounting, just to name a few. Ex-students of Sasse College, known as Sasse Old Boys or SOBANS, have served as leaders in different areas both in Cameroon and throughout the world. Sasse College continues to be a premier institute of Secondary and High school education in Cameroon. In January 2014, it was award the prestigious pioneer title of “Best College in Cameroon” by Fondation Terre D’acceuil.
Sasse College had an initial enrolment of 75 young boys from all over Cameroon. Today, the school has an enrollment of over 800 students. It has also seen a growth in infrastructure that is struggling to meet with the growing enrollment. It initially had two dormitories to accommodate its 75 students, but now has only eight dormitories for its current enrollment. The school also had three science laboratories (Chemistry, Physics and Biology), one computer laboratory and a library to meet the educational needs of the students. It has a 1,200 capacity chapel to meet their spiritual needs.
Sasse College has played a critical role in educating the male child in Cameroon ever since it was founded in 1939. It continues to be one of pillars of education in Cameroon.
the sasse anthem
Near the Buea Mountain
High above the sea,
Stands St. Joseph’s College
A place for you and me,
Tis here that we learn Biology
And Geometry and Chemistry.
O Sasse by the Mountain!
O Sasse by the Sea!
Time will come for the roll call,
Time for us to start!
Early in the morning
With strong and happy hearts.
I still feel the fragrance of the air,
The gardens fair and evening prayers!
O Sasse by the Mountain!
O Sasse by the Sea!
Marching in the study,
Going down to dine;
Resting in our billets
When bugle’s gone at nine.
We always remember Saturday nights,
The Sunday whites and Monday
bright!
O Sasse by the Mountain!
O Sasse by the Sea!
the college song
With St. Joseph ever near to guide us
We are safe whatever may betide us
From the storms and tempests he will guide us
In the hollow of his hand
Refrain: In the hollow of his hand In the hollow of his hand We are safe whatever may betide us In the hollow of his hand
In his arms of love he doth enfold us
Words of peace his voice divine hath told us
We are safe, for God Himself doth hold us
In the hollow of his hand
He will guard our souls and leave us never
From His love no power on earth shall sever
And we know He’ll keep us now and ever
In the hollow of his hand
