TRIBUTES TO UNCLE ZACH

TRIBUTES TO UNCLE ZACH

An Icon has bowed down, a hero has crossed the river, a legend has embarked on the journey of no return, a celebrity has blossom then withered.

As news of Uncle Zach’s demise echoed all over, tears dropped down my cheek. My eyes went red and my heart got sour.  Immediately I began to recall his days of professionalism and simple life. Uncle Zack gave shape to the world journalism in Cameroon, he knew when the studio microphone sounded best, he had a mastery of the

dimension of the studio and the atmosphere of his reports. He was never a play journalist. He was a mentor to so many emerging and emerged journalists and sport reporters to be specific. He was a journalist to the core. I remember in 2003 when I first met Uncle Zach. He had just covered a first division Match at the Molyko Omnisport Stadium. I was returning home from school with four of my peers while he settled on a bottle of liquor in bar opposite the Stadium. He called us to advise us on the relevance of education and how the future belongs to us. His close 10 minutes lecture ended with gift of 100 FRS each to my friends and I. Since then, I have worked hard to hold firm that future and meet up with Uncle Zack’s words of wisdom. In 2009 I met him again at CRTV while on a holyday programme and he remained inspiring. Each morning since 2003 I tuned in to FM 94.5 to listen to him, I went to the stadium on each Mount Cameroon Race of hope just to see him and  hear his legendary voice. He alone best knew how pregnant the moon and the sun were on a mountain raise day; he could perfectly describe the scenario and gave the public a swift summary of past races and winners. Uncle knew dates like his legend Historian Professor Victor Ngoh. He was a man who once told a sports Minister how late he was for an event in a very stylish way. Zachary Nkwo was a living encyclopedia, a sport archive and an unforgettable genius. He spoke slowly but powerfully, he never needed scripts, he just needed a microphone and wisdom flowed. He was difficult to see on occasions because of his size but he was always heard because his voice spoke volumes and penetrated right deep into the ears of listeners and the public. Uncle Zach has left a big vacuum in the world of sport. A sport archive has collapsed. Testimonies of his impact fly everywhere today. So sad he had to bow down to the wind of death that blew so hard. I am saddened by news of his everlasting journey to the world beyond. Rest in Peace Uncle Zach.

NTUI OBEN OBI

CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP ON THE GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION.

On 28 July 2016, Actions for change in partnership with Education Cameroon (EduCam), Noela Lyonga Foundation and Youths Engaged for Development (YED) organized a one Day Capacity building workshop on the Global Citizenship Education.

The workshop which brought together youths from some parts of Cameroon was aimed at educating them especially those in rural communities on the United Nations Global Citizenship Education and its importance in solving the problems of the world. Speaking during the Workshop, The workshop Initiator Mr.Ntui Oben Obi, President of Actions for Change Cameroon who participated in the Second Youth Leadership Workshop in Busan, Republic of Korea shared his experience in Korea and emphasized on the introduction of GCED in all aspects of the society. The workshop had inspirational presentations from Mr. Takang Kelly Tabe-Coordinator of Education Cameroon (EduCam), Mr. Ngale David-coordinator of Youth Engaged for Development (YED), Mr. Teboh Sylvanus-Coordinator of the University of Buea Debate Club and interim National Vice president, Cameroon Debate Association, Mr. Awanto Ernest, Miss Noela Lyonga of Noela Lyonga Foundation and many others. The various speakers emphasized the need for young people to take actions towards the implementation of Global Citizenship education in their respective communities. In a more practical way, participants were divided into different groups to work on different topics which were then presented towards the close of the workshop. The various topics treated during the breakout session included: climate change, Culture, Peace, Entrepreneurship and capacity building. All these were looked at on a global level.

The workshop ended on a positive note with a general call for more workshops in all parts of the country. It is worth nothing that participants at the workshop were able to create a Cameroon GCED Network.

Local Youth Corner Cameroon and partners close the pilot phase of the Creative Skills for Peace project

Local Youth Corner Cameroon and partners close the pilot phase of the Creative Skills for Peace project

The pilot phase of the creative skills for peace project initiated by Local Youth Corner Cameroon in partnership with the Borstal Institute Buea, Actions for Change  Cameroon, the Commonwealth Youth Peace and Ambassadors Network, Cameroon Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors and UNOY finally came to an end on Saturday 21 May 2016. The Creative skills for peace project is aimed at transforming young in prisons, social centers and street children in six regions of Cameroon who have been and are still exposed to radicalization and youth Extremism. it should be noted that the project was launched on 15 April 2016 at Borstal Institute Buea by some authorities of the South West Region. Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Director of Borstal Institute Buea called on all present to support such initiatives as it goes a long way to transform young people and make them peace ambassadors through creative skills. On behalf of Local Youth Corner, Mr. Epie Marc thanked the authority of Borstal Institute Buea for opening their doors for the pilot phase of the project. He implored the 30 trainees to make good use of the skills they have acquired and never return to violence as a means of survival. As project coordinator of the project, Mr. Ntui Oben Obi who doubles as president of Actions for Change Cameroon was glad to announce that the project was 80 successful and that the project team is now ready to move to the next region. Some of the skills learned during the training included: soap making, paper bag production, computer knowledge, beats making and poultry.

2016 DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

Mr Suh Cheo Cyprian(Country Coordinator Network of African Youths) talking on the SDGs

Finally the long awaited activity organized by Actions for Change Cameroon in partnership with the University of Buea American Corner with the support of the Cameroon Working group for the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals In Rural Africa to Celebrate the international Day of the African Child took place today at the University of Buea American Corner. Placed under the theme: Conflicts and Crisis in Africa: protecting all children's rights, Actions for Change Cameroon and partners once again demonstrated their strength in the maintenance of peace in Cameroon, Africa and in the world at large. Speaking during the celebration as panelists were: Mme Yonger Nelly-Shella (Director of Rural Women Development Centre), Mr. Takang Kelly Tabe (CEO of Education Cameroon), Mr. Suh Che Cyprian (Country coordinator for the Network of African Youths), Mr. Malcom Speller, Mme Rosemary Schafack (Chief Liberian UB and Director of the University of Buea American Corner), Mr.Lukong Leslie Kenyuy (UB American Corner Staff). The various speakers dwelled on the following sub themes: The role of NGOs in the protection of Children's rights, the rights of a child, Education as means of ensuring children's safty and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Rural Africa. Speaking on behalf of Actions for Change Cameroon, Mr. Ntui Oben Obi Agbor, president of the organization called on all those present at the event to be part of the business of protecting children's safety and rights especially during conflicts and crisis in Africa.. It was a wonderful, interesting and participatory activity as both children and their elders were brought together in a common table of

some ACCians take a selfie after a successful event.

dialogue. Its time for all persons to start protecting children's rights. we must not allow our innocent children to be used as sacrificial lambs during conflicts and crisis. we need them to build this world. African leaders must all engage in this duty and not only focus on signing bilateral agreements and diplomatic missions.

Mme Yonga Nelly-Shella (Director of RUWDEC) moderates the panel discussion

A.C.C Campus debate Part 1:the economic benefits of "bushfalling" outwei...

A GREAT EVENT FOR YOUNG GIRLS IN CAMEROON. le Nenas Award

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YOUTHS CALLED UPON TO SHUN YOUTH EXTREMM AND RADICALISATION

The call was made On the 16^th of October 2015 by Members of the associations Actions for Change Cameroon (A.C.C) who organised organized two forums to discuss with youths about Peace. This was in partnership with the Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC) and the University of Buea American Corner (UBAC). These forums which lasted 1hr 30mins each were a part of the A.C.C 2015 Peace project and the  for this session was: The Role of Youths in the Peace Building Process, and Anti Youth Radicalization. It was graced by the presence of Mr. Achaleke Christian Leke the Cameroon Youth Ambassador to the Commonwealth, a member of LOYOC, guest speaker and main trainer for the program.

The first phase was organized at the Conference Hall of the University of Buea Library from 10a.m to 11:30am. Over forty youths (most of whom were students of the University of Buea) were educated in an interactive forum on the ways they can contribute in ensuring sustainable peace in their communities and the nation at large. Making good a negative past, believing in oneself, treating others kindly, and love for one’s community and country were amongst the key issues to be considered in ensuring peace.

The second phase organized at the Borstal Institute Buea, from 4pm to 5:30pm was with the staff and students of the institution. Over forty ـ five students, Visitors and staff were educated on the same topic as in the previous session, with particular attention to and cognizance of the fact that this set of persons primarily comprised of juvenile delinquents and therefore the discussion needed more caution. The students were nonetheless very welcoming and excited to know people out there still have them at heart. They shared welcome songs and speeches and actively participated in the discussions. A priority concern for the Cameroon Youth Ambassador was engaging these young persons in profitable activities for growth and development, whether through volunteering or performing a trade. This he decided to embark on, in collaboration with the institution’s management.

After each of the sessions, the participants and organizers took group photos holding pieces of papers with the harsh tag: ENGAGED FOR PEACE and I AM ENGAGED FOR PEACE

It was indeed another wonderful and successful program as the A.C.C’s message of Peace continued to spread to other corners of the earth. Each of the two events ended with a call for youths to shun uncivil practices and maintain peace in Cameroon. Mr. Ntui-Oben Obi the President of A.C.C and Mr. Achaleke Christian Leke promised to go back to Borstal Institute with more programs in the shortest time possible

By Ruddy  Morfaw