Community Cleaning Project- Buea, Cameroon

On the 6 August, 2014, more than 30 young people participated in an environmental cleaning exercise, from 7am to noon at the Catholic School, Great Soppo Buea. The exercise was done under the auspices of IofC Cameroon. It was an activity that focused on awakening young Cameroonians to positively work towards a morally upright society and an effective governing system by taking initiatives impacting on themselves and their environment.

Helen Yogo writes:  As the initiator of the school-based programs in Cameroon, I observed that due to poor road conditions in our communities, people were suffering and disasters happened that could have been avoided. I saw it was relevant to take an initiative, get others involved and do something for the greater benefit of the whole, rather than sitting behind bars and blaming the government who may not even be aware of the conditions in our neighbourhoods.

At the beginning of the exercise, a brief introduction was given on what IofC is. I then shared my personal experiences on why I am committed to such a cause. I told the young people about my experience in India with quiet time and inner voice while being an intern at Asia Plateau, Panchgani in 2013.  That time made me realize that I have a role to play in building and supporting my community with global experiences in education, community works, leadership skills, personal restitution and faith in God.  We then had a moment of silence and thereafter we all excitedly got to work.

We got permission to carry stones since our objective was to help cover up the potholes in the muddy road that links the street from the church to the community market.  At the end of this exercise, we were able to complete the work have time for questions, share some drinks, and have time for fun. Everyone went home feeling wonderful.

During the exercise, the road users and passerby's were shocked to see young people under the early morning rains, carrying stones, manually and filling the potholes without any teacher or a principal with a whip chasing them. As we worked, we sang and we got many salutations from those passing by.

Below are comments from some of the young participants shared:    

Mathias: Helen was my classmate back in Lycee Molyko. When I was informed that someone was coming to talk to us and take us through some leadership programs, I never imagined it will be my own classmate Helen. I am really interested in this kind of leadership that starts with myself. 

Judith: Now I know that as a woman and young girl, I can do better.  Imagine we stay here with bad roads kicking our shoes and waiting for the government whereas we can just come together and do what we can. I am grateful and I pray that many young people within our community will join us and do what IofC is challenging us to do to make our community a better place.

Chibozo: As I was going home, I was looking back and liked the work we have all done. I left the house very early in rainy weather just to be here.  

I'd like to thank God Almighty for this initiative, strength, guidance and the resources provided by the Frits Philip Fund and IofC Cameroon as well as to the entire Great Soppo Parish Community. Also my gratitude to all the wonderful young people who came for the work and the parents who entrusted their children to me for the work and to all my Mentors and Follow-up Individuals.

By Helen Yogo,

School’s Leadership Project Coordinator & Vice Secretary General, IofC Cameroon.