On Friday 11 March, the Cameroon Alumni of Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows (CACSAF) held a one-day hybrid conference to mark Commonwealth Day on Monday 14 March. The theme of the conference was ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating and Transforming through Scholars’ and Fellows’ Research’, reflecting the 2022 Commonwealth theme. The event was organised by CACSAF Chair, Kizitus Mpoche (2001 Scholar and 2010 Academic Fellow).
Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration observed by people all over the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe. It is held on the second Monday of March.
The conference brought together Commonwealth Alumni in Cameroon, the Douala University Commonwealth Club, researchers from several universities in Cameroon, and local administrative and traditional authorities. The event focused on how research conducted by Commonwealth Alumni and colleagues across the university sector can impact local communities and provided an opportunity for attendees to bring together their research, share good practice, and discuss ways research can be implemented to bring positive change to communities.
Presentations were delivered both virtually and in person, and covered a range of issues, including language policy, gender, culture, postcolonialism, and conflict resolution. Presenters shared their research experiences and networked to identify pathways for future collaboration. Commonwealth Alumni in attendance used the event to reflect on their scholarship experiences, with Commonwealth Alumnus Lilian Lem Atanga (2003 Scholar) praising the Commonwealth for making her a connected scholar.
Alongside the formal presentations and discussion, students from the University of Douala and Douala Commonwealth Club celebrated Commonwealth Day by performing songs, dances, recitals, and sketches calling for peace.
Following the conference, CACSAF held an Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM provided the opportunity for alumni to discuss the importance of the association in connecting Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship recipients and in giving back to the Commonwealth through activities and promoting Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship opportunities.
If you are a Commonwealth Alumnus from Cameroon or a Commonwealth Alumnus living in Cameroon and would like to engage in the CSC alumni association and future activities, you can connect with Kizitus via the association Facebook page.
