February 11th has its origins in 1961, when the English and the French speaking areas of Cameroon, got united as one country. Somehow along the road, it became a Youth National day. On this day, youths are given the opportunity to express their grievances tot he government and to celebrate their youthfulness. In the work proceeding to this special day, there are many youths activities, beginning from the Nursery schools all the way to Secondary schools. Most often primary and secondary school students match on this day, however, things have evolved over time, and University students as well as different Human Rights Groups representing youths in Cameroon came out to express themselves.

Who are the youths in Cameroon? Most often, we look to students behind desks and a teacher in the front. While observing the National Youth Day celebration in Cameroon, it dawned on me that some youths are most of the time overlooked, especially when they are Motor bikers, apprentices to manual labour or pushing trucks in the market. On the 11th of February, I observed Youths Wearing UNEP T-shirts all celebrating youths day, which caused me to think beyond my normal scope. Reports of youths lured by Boko Haram have reached the Central of Cameroon. As a way of counteracting Boko Haram, the National Youth Day this year focused on the need for unity to combat Boko Haram and Terrorism.

As an observer, I was able to take a video of some of the messages that these youths were sending to governments, authorities and to those watching and doing nothing about this issue. Students from every walk of life matched to their heart’s satisfaction. Forgive my ignorance, but I would declare that I have not yet seen another country besides Cameroon that has a National Youth Day where youths can express their thoughts. Follow this link: MVI 4337 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmR5liHZH1o.

On this particular day, it was made known to the youths that about 3000 jobs have been created for them. Following up with the National News, it was brought to the Nation’s attention that new companies had been approved by the government, thus opening available positions for many unemployed Cameroonians. The hope of the youths and the unemployed graduates, is for the jobs to go to those who have the qualifications and have bright ideas for the country’s future stability. Being an unemployed Youth myself in Cameroon, it is my hope and prayer that the government is held accountable to every promise it makes. Too many promises have been made that were never fulfilled, and these youths never give up coming out on the Youth National Day to show their dedication and allegiance to their government.

I love my country and I am proud of the youths. We are the leaders of tomorrow, and we should be learning from the mistakes of those before us, so that our children and their children will not have to suffer. Let’s fight as one and reason as one. We are a nation with a difference and that shall only be seen in us when we start looking at one another as brothers and sisters and not as enemies.