1955
At the age of 27, Benedictine priest Urs Egli from Engelberg leaves Switzerland for Cameroon to work at the flourishing Benedictine Mission there, initially as teacher and headmaster, later as head of the Mission in Otélé.
1989
After evaluating various prototypes of wells over a period of several years, Father Urs Egli initiates “L’eau c’est la vie” («Water is Life» project), with technical and administrative support from Swiss couple Louis and Heidy Stadelmann-Graf, who were mediated by Alfred Müller-Stocker, a friend and entrepreneur from Baar (canton of Zug).
1992
To secure the financing of the project, Alfred Müller-Stocker establishes the St. Martin Foundation, Baar, donating the founding capital of 2.5 million Swiss francs.
Inauguration of the 100th well (in Abom), with blessing by the Bishop and in the presence of Alfred and Annaliese Müller- Stocker, accompanied by leading clerical, political and diplomatic figures.
1993
Conclusion of a trade agreement with the government of Cameroon.
In September, Father Urs Egli falls seriously ill with amebic dysentery that is diagnosed much too late and leaves him fighting for his life.
1994 and 1998
Conclusion of cooperation agreements with the Swiss Confederation (SADC – Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, Bern) concerning a financial involvement in the project amounting to 2.85 million Swiss francs.
2000
After the Swiss electorate gives the government the go-ahead on 22 May to enter into bilateral negotiations with the EU, by an extraordinary coincidence Father Urs Egli signs a first agreement between EU organizations, the government of Cameroon and the St. Martin Foundation concerning the co-financing of 100 wells (900,000 Swiss francs).
2003
The 800th well is handed over for operation on 8 March, the birthday of founder Alfred Müller-Stocker.
2005
Inauguration of the 1,000th well on 2 December in Ngon village.
2007
Following the retirement of Frieda Wettach, Beatrice Schütz Spöring takes over the administration of the Foundation in Baar. The St. Martin Foundation is given a new corporate image.
2008
Important agreements are concluded with the dioceses of Yaoundé and Eseka, and the St. Martin Foundation strengthens its position as an independent non-governmental organization. It is also able to renew the customs agreement with the government of Cameroon
2009
On 24 September, the St. Martin Foundation celebrates the 20th anniversary of its «Water is Life» project and gives the premiere of its 13-minute documentary film about the project. Order form