In a vibrant display of camaraderie and goodwill, two YALI alumni joined forces to spread a message of unity through the power of sports in the heart of Yaounde, Cameroon, commemorating the International Day of Peace.
The Young African Leaders Initiative, fondly known as YALI, was initiated by the legendary President Barack Obama back in 2010. It’s a seven-week program that has become a beacon of hope, renowned for its holistic approach to education and its emphasis on community service.
Luchelle Feukeng, the mastermind behind YALI for Peace, a distinguished network of African alumni focusing on peace and security initiatives, joined hands with Nkenglefac Tacha Foretia Divine, the esteemed founding member of YALI Sport Africa.
Together, they orchestrated a sport walk that commenced from the University of Yaounde I, Chateau Ngoa Ekele. A delightful ensemble of nearly 30 students and local residents donned white T-shirts and proudly wielded placards adorned with peace slogans to partake in this neighborhood parade. “Our choice to engage in a sporting activity stems from our understanding of the tremendous impact it can have on an individuals well-being. To achieve a peaceful society, each individual must find peace within themselves.
Sometimes, life can be overwhelming, and that’s when physical exercise comes to the rescue. It replenishes our energy and helps us manage personal relationships more effectively,” said Luchelle Feukeng, the general coordinator of YALI for Peace.
The event aimed to showcase how physical activity can bridge divides and foster goodwill among people. Following the walk and exercise, a brief program ensued, delving into the values of inclusion that both YALI for Peace and YALI Sport Africa advocate. A networking session followed, allowing participants to forge meaningful connections with their peers.
Divine Foretia, the founding member of YALI Sport Africa and an alumnus of the 2018 program, emphasized the crucial role of sports in peacebuilding.
“We chose to commemorate this International Day of Peace through sports because we believe in harnessing the power of sports to bring people together, share ideas, and have fun. Sports offer endless opportunities for community engagement,” he declared with enthusiasm. “Sport unites people and provides a platform for open dialogue. All while having a blast! It fosters social cohesion and creates a safe space where individuals can freely express their ideas, eradicating any phobias or animosity,” he added.
The alumni networks brilliantly illustrated how collective community work raises awareness of social cohesion. Their timely initiative took place against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts between separatist fighters and government forces in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions. On this occasion, the organizers consciously brought together Anglophone and Francophone residents of Yaounde to highlight their shared humanity, transcending the existing tensions.
Their ultimate aim was to demonstrate that alternatives, such as using sports to foster understanding, are essential for resolving crises peacefully.
Guiding the participants through the sporting activities was Coach Ngoran Emmanuel, a revered figure from the F. Frank Football Academy, an illustrious team competing in the third division league in Yaounde. Coach Emmanuel firmly believes that achieving personal peace is a prerequisite to pursuing
broader peace agendas.
“Take the example of Cote d’Ivoire, where a civil war had ravaged the nation since 2002. It was only when they qualified for the 2006 World Cup that a general consensus emerged. People rallied under one umbrella, and football became the catalyst for peace. Sports keep us active, flexible, and open our minds to the wider world,” he opinioned. According to him, sports enable us to maintain peaceful relationships with others and broaden our horizons.
Belinda Rosiane, a participant currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Translation, passionately affirmed that no field of expertise should be left untapped. She believes that translators have a unique role to play in maintaining peace through their mastery of multiple languages. “Languages allow us to communicate beyond the barriers we face. Translators possess a remarkable ability to promote peace and development through their command of various languages, which serves as an essential tool for effective communication,” she expressed.
In a captivating twist, the participants were introduced to a technique called “aller au balcon,” which translates to “going to the balcony.”
This ingenious method encourages individuals to take a step back or even step out onto a balcony when embroiled in heated arguments or tense situations. The purpose is to regain composure, reflect, and generate better ideas that lead to wiser decisions.
As conflicts persist in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, their initiative served as a timely reminder that amidst turmoil, alternative paths towards understanding and resolution are desperately needed.
The event exemplified the very essence of YALI, bringing diverse groups together harmoniously, even in the face of adversity. YALI’s activities strive to guide individuals interested in contributing to a more equitable society through the cultivation of empathy and compassion. In the spirit of YALI’s mission, these two alumni showcased the extraordinary ability of sports to transcend boundaries and foster unity.
As conflicts persist in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, their initiative served as a timely reminder that amidst turmoil, alternative paths towards understanding and resolution are desperately needed.
Sa'ah Siona Ikei,
Creative storyteller.
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