My experience in RUSSIA.
I did not feel safe.
“NO WAY!! This is not real. I cannot believe this actually happening. Why is everyone acting as though this is just fine. This is not okay”
These are the thoughts that ran through my mind as I sank deeper and deeper underground into the Moscow Metro (the underground railway system that connects the entire city) - The biggest and most organised one in the world - yet. I felt both terrified and excited at the same time. On the inside, I was freaking out. On the outside, I was cool as a melon.
“This has to be one of the most impressive experiences I have had, I thought“
Earlier this month, I had the honour of being invited by the Russian Federal Agency of Youth Affairs to Moscow, Russia, as one of the finalists of the WeAreTogether International Prize for our work at e-Mentor in accelerating access to Equal Opportunities and promoting Social Justice in Cameroon.
Giving a keynote address in an interview with Eurasia Network
A quick google search will return results denoting that people generally have a bad impression about Russia. While this is not entirely without merit, I seized the opportunity to hear about Russia first hand from Russians. I asked questions, visited a few sites within the city, and got first hand knowledge about the country.
While I was not entirety convinced, I was impressed of Russia’s prowess in multiple domains - technological, social, and most especially, political.
While at the award ceremony, president Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin made a address, congratulating the awardees, and emphasising the need for Russians to work together to accelerate progress on all fronts, primarily supporting soldiers at the front, embracing family, and uniting behind traditional Russian values and philosophy.
As founder of e-Mentor, my team and I are more committed now than ever to taking our vision of democratising access to affordable quality education for internally displaced students in conflict affected areas in Cameroon and West and Central Africa to another level.
We are open to collaborations across different sectors and industries, as we strongly believe that the success of this work depends on collaborative effort.
Reflecting introspectively on this experience as the year ends, I am filled not only with gratitude for the heights I have achieved in my professional career, but also with awe about how great God is. How His hand has been evident in my life and endeavours, and how I could not have done this without Him.
As a young man from a low income family of 8, with my father being a taxi driver and my mother, a farmer, I grew up in an environment where the next meal and the next day were all that I could ask for. Anything outside that was a luxury. Although I had big dreams, I did not know I would achieve what I have achieved at this age, and at this speed.
My accolades reflect the contribution of peers, community and most importantly, my amazing family. I am truly grateful for everything, and although I am not where I want to be yet, I am happy for where I am.
Happy new year 2025. Talk to you soon
After receiving numerous requests for mentorship on Access to Global Opportunities, I have decided to organise a 3 day Masterclass on the 15th of January 2025 during which we will share effective strategies around how I have secured global opportunities in funding, travel and support for my work in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership.
Click HERE to join the WhatsApp group and save a spot for the upcoming masterclass.
See you inside!