Gold

Cameroon

In the heart of Yaounde, Cameroon, amidst bustling streets and vibrant culture, lies a place where time seems to stand still—the Elderly Care Center in Nkolmesseng, known as Béthanie Viacam (Abandoned Disabled Elderly of Cameroon). On World Volunteerism Day 2023 I joined participants, Award leaders and volunteers of Duke of Edinburgh international Award to make a difference in my community. As the sun rose, painting the sky with hues of hope, we arrived at Béthanie Viacam, armed with brooms, rakes, mops, and an unwavering spirit of service. Walking through the corridors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the residents, each with a lifetime of stories etched in the lines of their faces. The day's task seemed daunting—years of neglect had left Béthanie Viacam in disarray. But as I rolled up my sleeves and began to work, something magical happened. With every sweep of the broom, every wipe of the cloth, walls once dull began to gleam, floors once grimy began to sparkle, and hearts once heavy began to lighten. Amidst the cleaning, conversations flowed freely. I listened intently to tales of bygone eras, of love and loss, of dreams chased and dreams deferred. Each story, a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, fuelled my determination to make a difference, no matter how small. As the day drew to a close, and the last speck of dust was swept away, I looked around and saw more than just clean walls and tidy rooms. I saw faces illuminated with smiles, spirits uplifted by companionship, and a sense of community forged through shared moments of kindness.

Award Leader