Those good days...
on Sherry in Cameroon (Cameroon), 19/Apr/2010 18:44, 34 days ago
TrainingFebraury 2010So, what exactly am I doing in Cameroon anyways? Well, as an Organizational Development Advisor, it is actually quite a rather tricky position, as I’m not a decision-maker, or even really a doer, more of a starter, an encourager, a supporter, a cheerleader, advisor. I make suggestions, and try to convince them that it was their idea in the first place and then sometimes, they may do those things. Other times, I must watch a struggle, so thatlearning can take place. It is frustrating, no doubt. Progress is slow, but certain days stand out in my mind, that make it all worthwhile. One of those days, was the day I facilitated a workshop on “Human Rights and using Rights Based Approaches to Development”. It was a great group, full of enthusiasm, questions, ideas, conversations… just one of those rare days where I felt I was doing something useful and having much fun!!!Here’s an “excerpt from the Sun Newspaper in Bamenda about the Training I facilitated on Human Rights.” Just so you can get a taste of the local flavour / perspective... and, please note: I don’t remember using the word: ‘strange’.NWADO Sensitizes people on Human RightsBY GEORGE CHIFUA Non Governmental Organization known by its acronym NWADO has sensitized the population on the basic principles of Human Rights. The sensitization took place November 26, 2009 at the Bamenda NWADO head office during a one day workshop organized by the NGO.Madam Sherry Stevenson, a foreign VSO Volunteer disclosed that the workshop was aimed at developing on understanding of Human Rights, its principles, familiarization with various existing mechanisms in case of violation of Human Rights, how to apply a Rights-Based Approach to work and process to Advocate for Human Rights.The VSO Volunteer shortly after the workshop briefed the Sun that the workshop brought NWADO members from far and near for sensitization on Human Rights for development. She insinuated that the workshop which had empowered participants, whose approach to societal issues could be strange, might spark problems. The foreign national observed that knowledge of Human Rights can only improve situations despite its strange implementation. Sherry Stevenson further disclosed that there exist mechanisms locally, nationally, and internationally which people could exploit when there is violation of Human Rights. NWADO pledged its readiness to always provide people with right information to direct people to right directions like the Lawyers when Rights are violated.Quizzed on what NWADO could do if Human rights are politically violated in Cameroon during elections, Madam Stevenson after a deep pause responded that everybody has a Right to Free, Fair and Transparent elections. She however, asserted that in case of unfair elections in Cameroon, NWADO will help monitor and present the situation for everyone to know for possible actions even through international communities.The workshop was attended by Civil Society Activities, CIGS and associations. At the end of the workshop some participants shared their experiences and lessons with the Sun.Mr. Nformi Lawrence from Njimnkang Ndu Sub Division said he was impressed with the discoveries on Human Rights which he pledged to share with his people. Mme Florence Woazineh, INADES Formation Cmaeroon promised to sensitize both men and women on Human Rights. She hinted that so many people suffer because of ignorance of their Rights which are also applicable to leisure, homes, and jobs. Mme Florence intimated that the Male Folk shouldn’t be scared by their discoveries because such discoveries will rather enable women work in partnership with men for better results not unhealthy rivalry. Mme Stephanie Tasah, coordinator, Hope for Widows and Orphans Ministries Bamenda noted that the workshop was enriching. She disclosed that mostwidows who are ignorant about their rights suffer educational set-backs for their children. Such widows encounter obnoxious practice from some Traditional rulers and Fons because of ignorance of the Human Rights. Participants were firm on the resolutions that there is need for massive sensitization on the Basic Principles of Human Rights.