On 31 October 2020, the Katchoua Foundation carried out an activity to donate cubes of soaps to over 50 internally displaced persons in Penda-Mboko, Mungo Division of the Littoral Region. Beneficiaries included children, adults, and some aged persons who have been forced to resettle in the area due to the surging Anglophone Crisis currently affecting the North-West and South-West Regions of Cameroon.
In the wake of the Crisis, Penda Mboko, a neighboring town to the South-West has become a place of refuge for many who have been internally displaced from towns like Muyuka, Kumba, Mutengene, Tiko, Yoke, Bamenda, etc. It is certainly an undeniable fact that the effect of this crisis has been severe. It has caused many deaths and rendered thousands homeless. The sense of livelihood has also changed for many who have lost their businesses or jobs. At the same time, others have been forced to stay out of school. While the crisis poses a challenge for these victims COVID-19 is yet another challenge to deal with.
Katchoua Foundation, therefore, deemed it necessary to go through thick and thin to reach out to these IDPs. To encourage them and to give them soaps as a measure to fight against COVID-19. This was also an opportunity for the team to commune and share in love with the IDPs amid the health and Anglophone crises.
Lending a helping hand
Many times we overlook little deeds that could put smiles on people’s faces. We turn to forget it takes just little to show love to someone. This goes in line with Mohammed Gandhi’s quote, “The greatest humanity is not being human but being humane”. Though faced with these conditions, sharing in their fears and making them part of us is what Gandhi means by being humane. This is what inspired the Katchoua Living Foundation team, to pay a visit to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Penda-Mboko area.
Ensuring their wealth being is one of the best ways to show concern and love. Hence, helping them to still believe in life and not losing faith. As Martin Luther King quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” that is, these IDP’s look up to us for help for there is much in them which needs to be revealed; but this can only be done if we make them our priority. That goes without saying, our community, our strength; and national development can only be enhanced if our communities are strengthened.
As the saying goes, humanity first, humanity at heart, so does the Katchoua Foundation team says YES to an inclusive society, spreading love to the distressed people and choose not to lose faith in humanity because it is the greatest gift in life.
By Yipa Glwadys
