The youth population in Batouri, Cameroon, is comprised of various origins and social situations. For example, André is a student at a government high school. His father is a farmer and the benevolent catechist in his village. Unlike many of his peers, André’s father is aware of the importance of education for the future of his children. With the little revenue generated by his farm, he tries his best to pay André’s school fees. Then there is Madeleine: she is a seventeen year old who became pregnant and dropped out of school at the age of fourteen. This is actually rather commonplace for young girls, and they are not ashamed of their situation at all. Most young girls are taught that a woman has to “prove” her fertility, and the younger the better. Many girls become mothers by fourteen and even younger. Next is Natalie: she did not go to school at all. Like many other parents here, Natalie’s parents do not believe there is any reason for girls to undergo long years of schooling that will do nothing to prepare them for their role in society; namely, to be a dutiful wife and caring mother. Natalie can neither read nor write. Lastly there’s Jean: he also left school early. Following the tragic death of his parents, Jean and his seven brothers and sisters went to live with their poor grandparents.
Despite their differences, all of these young people have at least two things in common: they are young and they believe in Jesus. Young Catholic Christians are by no means privileged in this part of the world. They find themselves as a decided minority to both Muslims and Protestants of various denominations. To stand by and further their faith, they come together in local chapels guided by young priests, nuns and some lay leaders. They have Bible study, catechism, and reflections upon social and faith issues. The challenge in establishing regular gatherings is that many of our young people are busy fighting for the basic necessities of their own lives. Some of the young married women face difficulties in getting permission from their husbands to join our young adult activities.
There is no real hope for the youth of Batouri to participate in any World Youth Day. In fact, very few of them will ever get to take part in the National Youth Day organized in Yaoundé, the capital city of the country. Yaoundé is about 280 miles from Batouri, so it is not likely that our youth can afford the transportation and accommodation fees. So, in order to help them to feel in communion with the worldwide youth, and especially to help them participate in their mission as young Christians, we have organized annual Diocesan Youth Days.
The initial goal of gathering the youth of the diocese is to help them overcome the differences among them. In this way, they can experience how it is possible to live with people of different villages, languages and cultures. “I have never lived outside of my village,” Emmanuel said: “I used to live only with the people that I know well. Many ugly stories are told of the people from other tribes. Now I see that at least some of these stories are not true.” Youth gatherings are also occasions to learn how to live and work together. Simple skills such as respectful listening and calm expression of one’s opinion are stressed.
We also provide an initiation to leadership skills. Antoine, who was chosen as a small group leader, shared about his experience: “At the beginning, I was afraid by all the eyes focused on me. But I discovered how a ‘chief’ has to be humble and courageous at the same time.”
During this past Diocesan Youth Day event, the young men and women of our region were delighted to share their faith. In small groups, they listened to and meditated on the Word of God. Each one had the occasion to share from the Bible text and from his/her personal experience of faith and life. One thirteen-year-old named Jean said: “I felt it was the first time I was listened to and not stopped by someone else. I was not blamed for my hesitations. Now I have a bit more confidence in myself. I feel I also have something to share with my fellows!”
Our diocesan youth are also invited to learn about and take part in social issues. During one project, they worked for a cocoa plantation in Ndélélé. They were made conscious of the value of nature and our natural resources. They have seen how forests have been largely devastated for exportation. And they experience the damage to their own lifestyle and the environment. “Years ago,” says Anna, “to get the Koko (local vegetable) for our daily meal, we just had to go behind our houses. Now, we must cover long distances to get small quantities. This is an extra effort for us, as young girls, though we are already busy with other domestic work.” The forest is part of our local culture. If it disappears life will be more difficult; so planting a tree becomes a pledge for the future and it is a small action they can take for the protection of the Creation.
In the midst of the real difficulties and challenges they face in life, the Catholic youth of Batouri are proud to proclaim their faith. They find their hope in Christ. With your support, the companionship that we are able to offer them shows them our interest and validates their worth. I am reminded of one activity that the youth really appreciate and enjoy: they love the marching band parades. Enthusiastically spurred forward by a Catholic school band, the Catholic youth sing and march joyfully throughout the host city while a lead group of participants carries a heavy cross. Etienne, one of the youth leaders, sums up their sentiment: “Life is difficult. But with Christ, everything is possible.”
Faustin Ambassa, cicm
Batouri, Cameroon
Fr. Faustin Ambassa, cicm, is a native of Cameroon who joined Missionhurst-CICM in 1986, and was ordained in 1997. After five years of mission work in Senegal, Fr. Faustin was called back to Cameroon where he served as formator of the CICM formation community, and then as the provincial superior. In 2009 he was appointed Bishop of the diocese of Batouri, where he continues to work today.
