When a Visitor Becomes a Community Member, Everything Changes
By Jade BrownCRS Volunteer, Cameroon
Jade Brown, CRS volunteer in Cameroon. Photo by Gerard Lambert/CRS
Yesterday I spent all day in a village. I was there to help assist with the supervision of five community-based organizations' (CBO) health related activities carried out this month near Ndop, Cameroon, where I live and serve as a volunteer.
Two of the groups were very active and eager to discuss their activities educating their communities about health issues and providing counseling. To see people get excited and give in to the spirit of volunteerism is really inspiring.
Many of them have other responsibilities including working their farm for money and food, caring for children, and more. Most are women and through this program they become leaders in their communities, who people look to for advice with health concerns.
Most are also illiterate. However, because illiteracy does not prevent them from raising awareness, they are as active as literate members and feel empowered by their knowledge.
I get especially moved when I see those who were silent and sat back during the trainings as if they were invisible, now speaking out about how they feel like they're making a difference. As a result of the trainings, they feel their lives have worth and meaning. One woman told us how the training gave her the courage to go to the hospital for treatment for her epilepsy. Now she is on medication for it.
I like that I am beginning to know people and faces are becoming familiar to me. One member of a CBO, 20 minutes from where I live, even knew about my flu last month! Word travels far and fast. She wagged her finger at me, "No more fever, you hear?"
I get especially moved when I see those who were silent and sat back during the trainings as if they were invisible, now speaking out about how they feel like they're making a difference… they feel their lives have worth and meaning.
Others offer us food, everything from a giant yam to a full meal, or a take-away bag full of more miondo, fermented cassava, I think, than I could ever eat. Though it is impossible to refuse, their cooking is excellent anyway.
This sort of thing is happening in Ndop, too. Over the last few weeks I have noticed, especially on Sundays, that I will get stopped about four times by people I consider friends walking down my street. I also get visitors at home and get invited to visit others also.
I take these as signs that Ndop, Cameroon is now my home. I am no longer seen as a visitor but rather as a welcomed member of the community.
