Empowerment Through Sport for the Mamas of Rural Cameroon

August 26, 2012 shall forever remain historic in the minds of some 70 mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers, aged 75 and above who participated in a 700m honorary fast walk race in Bafanji Village, Northwest region, Cameroon.

The whole idea of Make Mama Visible began eight months ago, after series of friendly visits in some rural communities across the nation, in which I realised the living conditions of most aged mothers in rural Cameroon are so deplorable, full of sadness and pain – with little or no special medical attention and/or healthcare facilities. Again, I noticed that many of the aged mothers live alone, and would have to farm, cook, and walk distances to fetch water.

In addition, I also realised that most of these aged mothers have become caregivers to their great grandchildren, whose parents are either dead or have migrated to the urban cities (diasporas) in search for better livelihoods.

In pursuit of how to make mamas happy, honoured, and not to feel deserted, the thought of a public walk came to mind, to create space for aged mothers to become visible through sport.

And Bafanji village became the ideal community to begin with.

Bringing the Community Together

Thanks to our sponsors’ generous support, this maiden edition of MAKE MAMA VISIBLE was a huge success.

For it was able to attract as many as 200 interested individuals across all works of life – the media, the traditional elites, business entrepreneurs, tycoons, local government, and other international networks – each of whom related to the need of bringing attention to aging mothers' special needs.

Rewakening New Perspectives for Elder Mothers

And I am proud to say that, just days after the race, MAKE MAMA VISIBLE participants have all been profiled on the International Museum Of Women (IMOW) global arts photography project, which highlights the values of Motherhood. And Bafanji community is proud to have been the first to welcome the idea to reawaken new thinking and perspectives about [elderly] mothers.

Again, recently, I received calls from some elites from neighboring villages requesting for a similar event on aged mothers in their communities.

In addition, I also received invitation from some interested persons in Buea and Alou in the Southwest region and Bamileke communities (Western region) to organize an aged mother race there.

Meanwhile, many families are already talking about bringing friends and relatives to see them next year!

Grateful Appreciation

In all, the project MMV was able to raise FCFA 879500 and a great deal of those funds came directly from our sponsors and partners: Soucedu pay.com, Olutosin Tie and Dye, VIAF, RUWDEC, WFAC Buea, HRM Fon F.N Ngwefuni II of Bafanji, Mbondgulo Patrick Nkwuti, and other individuals who would like to be kept anonymous.

It is worth noting that this race couldn't have been done without our sponsors’ generosity and volunteers’ commitment.

And I couldn’t dare conclude my appreciation without saying thanks to the MMV energetic and committed volunteers team: Yonga Nelly, Fonge Peeters, Ivy Laura, Makieh Mafor Nancy, Pa Vincent Ndimanjeh, Ngwana Bridget Wondieh,

Once more, thanks for putting a smile on mama’s face!