Twentieth May...Vingt Mai...
Just saying this date out loud comes with a distinct sense of nostalgia. Ten or more years ago this was no ordinary day. It was a day spent out in town, soaking in the relentless sun's rays in a congested crowd of students, civil servants, hawkers and random busy-bodies. All out to take part in, take advantage of or watch the parade. Last Wednesday, as I caught highlights of that very much celebrated day in Cameroon on Canal2 International, I missed home in a very poignant way.
On this day, spurred by some classmates, I thought some more about my beloved Cameroon. The current social, economic and political state of Cameroon is quite disheartening. What is wrong with us as a country is definitely not a secret to most Cameroonians, we have become experts at complaining about these things. However, we have also mastered the art of apathetic complacency. Therefore this post is not going to be about what is wrong, but about the many ways in which every one of us (at home and abroad) can do a little something towards a better tomorrow for our fatherland.
Just saying this date out loud comes with a distinct sense of nostalgia. Ten or more years ago this was no ordinary day. It was a day spent out in town, soaking in the relentless sun's rays in a congested crowd of students, civil servants, hawkers and random busy-bodies. All out to take part in, take advantage of or watch the parade. Last Wednesday, as I caught highlights of that very much celebrated day in Cameroon on Canal2 International, I missed home in a very poignant way.
On this day, spurred by some classmates, I thought some more about my beloved Cameroon. The current social, economic and political state of Cameroon is quite disheartening. What is wrong with us as a country is definitely not a secret to most Cameroonians, we have become experts at complaining about these things. However, we have also mastered the art of apathetic complacency. Therefore this post is not going to be about what is wrong, but about the many ways in which every one of us (at home and abroad) can do a little something towards a better tomorrow for our fatherland.
- Develop interest. Most of us abroad and even at home are almost clueless when it comes to current events in Cameroon. When confronted with this we would very quickly list all the reasons why we are justified in our disinterest. What happened to patriotism?!?!
- Do not perpetuate the status-quo. A lot of us are hypocrites in this sense. We complain about the broken system yet do not hesitate to use that same broken system when it is convenient for us. For example, most of us complain bitterly about bribes but do not fail to give them in order to get out of a sticky situation or get special treatment.
- Find a local cause (with measurable impact) to actively support. Apart from family and friends, most Cameroonians do not devote themselves to something that impacts the lives of those they do not know personally. It can be as simple as starting a group in your neighborhood that organizes cleaning events weekly or as complex as sponsoring village development initiatives.
- Call out friends or family members who are clearly involved in illegitimate/dishonest activity. A lot of us are good at saying nothing, forgetting that when we fail to stand for what is right, we are silently endorsing what is wrong.
Well, these are just a few I could think of. They do not just happen, we need to commit and make effort towards doing these things. Personally, I think this is much better than complaining. Or at least these actions can accompany our complaints :) They might seem like nothing, but remember that a journey of a thousand miles (or kilometers) begins with just one step.
Blessings.