Blogging for good governance

Between February and March, lies an undemocratic distance that I can best cover with words. My words speak louder of the distance between being a girl and transitioning to adulthood.The distance between present day Cameroon and the Land of glory and promise.

February in Cameroon is the youth month wherein we celebrate the National Youth day on 11th February.The stories of corruption linger on .I grow older yet time stands still for some of the people who instituted Youth Day. One thing changed: am not a girl. Am now a woman! That’s where March comes in –women’s month. The marching continues and we salut governors. When will Cameroon be ready for female governors? How soon will 2035 come?

What tools do I need to get the answers i seek ?

Tools for engagement in good governance

For Victor Van R, Founder of SM4C “Smart phones are a vital tool in the hands of Cameroonian youth”. Victor says, smart phones and ICTs can help youth to learn more about democracy and good governance, as well as help them engage in productive discussions that will enhance democracy and good governance in Cameroon.He cautions though that these social media tools must be used responsibly.

He said this over the weekend (27-28 February 2015) at a training workshop on good governance for Cameroonian bloggers. At the training, I had the pleasure of meeting and sharing experiences with these bloggers. They are emerging voices in Cameroon passionate about positive change and good governance in Cameroon.

I had the privilege of learning from social media experts like Victor Van R and Chedjou Kamdem, Community Manager at SM4C. This unique workshop was organized by Action Foundation CIG.

As I bid farewell to my blogger friends , I know we will not forget the words of Hon. Konglimyuy Joseph Kwi, retired civil servant and speaker at the workshop:

“A corrupt system built over the course of 50 years cannot be undone in a day or overnight .Change in Cameroon will be a process. It may be a slow and painful process.”