Monday, December 21, 2009

Vocational Training: Is it still useful in today's society?



By definition, vocational training places emphasis on training for a specific trade or career, with a focus on practical applications. It is generally not concerned with theory or traditional academic skill training. In other words, vocational training produces a link between education and the working world with a larger part of such training considered hands-on. In Cameroon as most developing countries, vocational training is offered in technical schools like Vocast, Ombe, Fess technical college and the numerous government technical schools all over the country today.


A holistic overview of vocational training in modern times tends to make us ponder if it is still useful in today’s society. Has this type of training outlived its value and are young people getting a commensurate return in their financial investment, time and future career goals? Since vocational training begins in secondary schools and increasingly called career and technical education, its concept connotates a narrow definition. We therefore begin to wonder if such training needs to be expanded and not too focused. The curriculum and course selection should give students the opportunity to explore career options which will not only prepare them for semi skilled jobs but flexibility for advanced education. The problem is the present curriculum in these schools falls short of developing academic skills in business, new computer technologies, and health sciences and so on. It is therefore imperative that the traditional focus of training in such fields as carpentry, masonry, auto mechanic and electronics should move into a broader concept with training in natural and social sciences thereby integrating academic and vocational training. This type of integration will further allow students trained at the vocational level to transition seamlessly to University and polytechnics with a wider career choice.

With a changing technologically inclined society and global competitiveness, vocational schools across Cameroon can increase leverage in student retention, graduation and compete effectively with non vocational schools through added course work in English, mathematics and sciences. Students should cast a wider net of course selection that prepares them not only for end of program exams like CAP/City and Guilds but the General certificate of education.

There is no doubt that education of all kinds is known to be a reliable engine for success and growth. It creates opportunities and puts the impossible within the reach of a child from the poorest family. In the past, vocational training was the kind of education that was directly relevant to quick employment. It was also the fastest turnaround from classroom to paycheck for most young people. However, with falling standards of education and the move from manufacturing to the service industry, that dream is now far fetch for many and no longer realistic. Young people attending vocational schools should therefore be offered a balanced education with a blend of general education in addition to their passion for hands on training. Whoever said a child graduating from a vocational school should not aspire to become a lawyer or medical doctor if he/she so chooses.

About the Author:

Simon Etta  graduated from Vocast and the Higher school of post and Telecommunications Buea, Annex. He later attended Texas Southern University and the University of Maryland. He holds a B.S; M.A., M.S., in Electronics and Information Technologies.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

VOSA National Executive Meets in Douala: Report by Secretary General


The VOSA National executive held its end of year meeting in Douala on November 28, 2009. The meeting started at 11:30 am with a prayer by Fuh Mathias. An agenda was presented as follows:
- Opening prayer
- A welcome speech by the National President
- A word from the Douala Chapter President
- Reading of the Previous minutes
- Adoption of Minutes
- Matters arising from minutes
- Preparation towards 2010 National Convention
- Finances
- Other Matters
- Closing remarsk by the National President
- Refreshment

The National President presented a welcome speech to the VOSANS who attended the meeting and thanked them especially the chapter Presidents of Muyuka, Limbe and Tiko/Mutengene. The last minutes were read and adopted by Fuh Mathias and Endoh Wilfred. Mr. Endoh Wilfred asked about the programme of the National Executive's visit to some chapters this year, and it was explained that almost all the chapters that were programmed have been visited.

It was generally agreed again that Mr. Fuh Mathias, Musoro Humphrey Teche, Endoh Wilfred and Mosenger Joseph should go and meet the VOCAST administration and discuss partnership between  VOSANS and VOCAST College, looking at investment, equipment and expertise.

Projects for 2010 National convention, it was agreed that we supply the school with at least twenty computers; some will be used by students and the rest to open a cyber cafe in the school campus to help generate funds. This project was estimated at a cost of 5,000, 000 frs CFA including components to install the computers and internet terminals.

The National convention budget was estimated at 3,000,000 frs CFA as follows:
- Lodging of some members and guest
- Feeding
- Renting of a good hall
- Printing of banners
- Radio and Television Publicity
- Filming the occassion and renting a stand by vehicle


SOURCES OF INCOME:
It was agreed that each VOSAN at home should contribute at least 5,000 frs with a projected income of 500,000 frs from 100 members. Donations from appeal letters and VOSANS in the diaspora is estimated at 2,500,000 frs.

SOURCES OF COMPUTERS:
It was also agreed, each VOSAN will pay 5,000frs for the convention and 5,000frs for the project. VOSANS of  goodwill are enccouraged to act personally as well as chapters such as Limbe, Buea, Douala, Yaounde, Muyuka, Tiko/Mutengene and Penda Boko are encouraged to donate some computers. To further raise funds, T-shirts will be printed for the last time during the 2010 convention and in future, we will look for another method of dressing.

Another calendar was created for the executive to visit some chapters and sensitize as follows: Dschang/Bafoussam, Bamenda, Ekondo Titi, Kumba and Yaounde. A delegation of at least five members of the executive to include the President, Vice, Secretary General, Financial Secretary and Treasurer were assigned. To cover the cost of the chapter visits, a budget of 500,000 frs was adopted with chapters being asked to pay at least 25,000 frs including 10,000frs from last year. VOSANS of goodwill at home and abroad are encouraged to support the executives go closer to its members. The National Executive is willing to work, but faces the problem of limited finances.


CHAPTER REPORTS:

Limbe President Eboue Enongene said they meet twice a month, their constitution has been drawn and their njangi comes up to 65,000 frs. Meetings are chaired by different members in each sitting. He thanked the executives for their concern in the death ceremony of KAMU Gabriel's mother. On this note, the executive declared that any formal member, home or abroad  should pay their dues as soon as possible, the chapter now has an account with the Sonara credit union.

Muyuka President Teche Mosoro said, when the executive visited them, they were only four in number but their njangi has raised them to six members. After the Vice President visited and conducted an emergency meeting, their membership increased to fifteen. They also have a monthly Njangi of 5,000frs - 10,000frs per member.

Tiko/Mutengene President Fuh Mathias thanked the Vice National President for coming around and encouraging some of his members and that their meeting failed because he was bereaved.

 Douala President Njivat Yari said Douala is doing fine and you will see it in the 2010 convention. They meet every third Saturday of the month at 3:30 PM and have a membership of 25 active members.

Buea National President said they gather every second Wednesday at 5:00 Pm in Ewosi and have about 15 active members and a small njangi.

In acknowledging the benevolence offered by a computer  school operating in Limbe, the National President on behalf of his executive members thanked the moderator of VOSAWORLD - Mr. Etta Simon for his good will gesture offering  scholarships to some five VOSANS who are unemployed to train them into the job market, it is only God who can pay back.

The following members attended the meeting:
- Douala Chapter: Pekoh Abraham, Eyong Ako Gabriel, Njivat Yari and Baiye Franka.
- Limbe Chapter:  Eboue Enongene, Kamu Gabriel, Akeme Gabriel, Njivat Celine and Ekoko Esther.
- Muyuka: Teche Musoro and Endoh Wilfred
- Buea: Ngwa Raymond
- Mutengene: Fuh Mathias

In conclusion, the National President thanked the members who came but blamed the Douala chapter for not responding on time. He also said, we should go back to our various chapters and encourage members to contribute generously towards the aforementioned projects. The meeting ended about 2:00 pm.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Ndip Akem Victor: A VOSA Football legend celebrates Jubilee



As the years slowly pass by, and the younger generation develops to stardom, one fact of life is that  legends are sometimes easily forgotten. But what actually makes a legend is not only the story of his exploits, and heroics but contribution to a cause bigger than himself.

VOSA has been blessed with football stars of national and international recognition. Amongst them are Sinkot Isaac, Ndefi Pius, Tabi Benjamin and Mokoko Joseph. Looking back at the 1990 FIFA world cup Italy, Cameroon became the only side in history to top their group with a negative goal. One of the legends that contributed to this success was a VOSAN – Ndip Akem Victor. Ndip was part of a squad that put Cameroon on the world map, built and unified the nation during a one time opportunity that brought  pride and forever changed history.

It is therefore befitting for friends and VOSANs to join in celebrating a special JUBILEE in honor Cameroon’s hilarious son of the 1990 football squad of the indomitable lions.

This occasion is slated for Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the GPS field –Kumba town. The National executive of VOSA and organizing committee of this event  is calling on VOSANS to make this special rendez vous of Ndip’s lifetime a success.

Immediate contacts:

Tabe Ako Leo (General Coordinator) 79 84 68 68
Etchi Conrad Etchi (Coordinator/Treasurer) 77 61 88 53

Thursday, November 19, 2009

AN ADDRESS BY THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF VOSA ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2008 ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY.


National President of Vocast Old Students Association.
On the occasion of the 2008 annual general assembly of the
Vocast old students association (vosa)
The highly honoured and respected members of vosa;


Distinguished invitees,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my singular pleasure to welcome you all here present in this august General assembly of the Vocast old students association. What a joy, what happiness, to meet once again with all the off springs of Vocational College of Arts Science and Technology Muyuka.

To day is the day to think of our forgotten struggle, a day to thank God for our individual achievement, a day to reflect on our lives, a day to think of our fallen peers.

Let us observe a minute of silence in honour of our fallen peers, like Siben John, Mokoto Njie, and a host of others.

Ladies and Gentlemen: 1968 to 2008 is exactly 40 years since Vocast opened it doors. We are 10 years to the golden jubilee. Forty years of existence is 40 years of success. Several Engineers, administrators, secretaries, law enforcement officer’s technicians and business men are spreaded all over Cameroon and the world. Are we not happy to see ourselves growing?

Distinguish invitees, Ladies and Gentlemen.

The present national exco is two years old in office. Our prime objective has been to create a cycle of interdependence for ourselves and for our children. In this world of today where tribalism, passion, poverty,unemploymen t, misery, corruption,bribery and all other social ills, have destroyed excellence, there would hardly be room for self reliance. We should therefore be grateful to have had our own cycle. We need to work hard to sustain it. After our election in 2006, we drew a road map for the association with emphasis on:-

1) Sensitization of Vosans on the raison d’etre of the association

2) Amendment of the constitution

3) Opening of new chapters

4) Reorganisation and redynamisation of chapters

5) Opening of a website for Vosa

6) Opening of a Bank account for the association

7) Creation of a support fund to assist members in serious needs and guarantee a befitting last respect to those who happen to fall

8) Creation of a support fund to assist the school in the equipment of laboratories and workshops

9) Go into partnership with authorities of Vocast to revive the school through the provision of technical expertise in curriculum design, teaching, equipping and repairing structures.

10) Setting up of a board of directors of the school.

11) Creation of a profit making venture for the economic sustainability of members

12) Guarantee socialization by organizing a general assembly every year.

Objectives numbers 5,7,8,9,10,and 11 have not been attained, given that the proprietor and co, refused any negotiation for partnership .Members are also yet to respond to the support fund .Furthermore the EXCO is still looking for a suitable and easy to control business for a complex group like ours.

We are appealing for suitable proposals from members. However. I would like to encourage members to contact the Yaounde chapter and subscribe for shares in their plantation and pautry business.. So far our roadmap is executed by 50%

In the last AGM of 2007 a budget of -1000000 FRANCS- was projected and only
540825francs- Was realized. At the end, the association was on a deficit of 459175 .Francs . The reserve that was realized from sales of T-Shirts and recoveries of unpaid pledges was used to neutralize the deficit leaving the account nil. The detail statement of account for 2007 AGM. shall be distributed to members. A copy of the statement is also available in the net.

This year we tried to ensure that the Budget for entertainment and advertisement be realistic by ensuring that only registered members who paid the convention levy be taken into consideration. We projected 400.000 FRS for entertainment and miscellaneous. We estimated that proceeds from donations and fund raising through the cake could be of help in deciding on the budget of laboratory and workshop equipments for the school. .

We are therefore appealing to vosans and friends of good will to help the association attain objectives 5,7,8,11, so as to help sustain our school by making it a centre of excellence. As you know any centre of excellence refers to equipments and means . Remember vocast has come to stay. Your material and financial assistance count enormously for the sustainability of both the school and the association. I trust in you because you are all very loyal to our motto and committed to the affairs of VOSA

I will not conclude without thanking. Mr. Eyong Ashu Augustine (Yaounde Chapter President) Mr. Eyong Ako Gabriel national vice president, Pekoh Abraham, Fuh Mathias Musenja Joseph, Endoh Wilfred Pauline Bissong and all the committed VOSANS of the diaspora for their enormous sacrifice to the success of this alma Mata.

I encourage them to continue with the same spirit.

I will equally register my deep appreciation to the Limbe Chapter for their hospitality throughout the preparatory phase of this general assembly. I extend my appreciation to the authorities of Tuborg Night Club and Limbe Chapter for accommodating us.

Long live-Vocast old students association.

Long live-Vocational College of Arts Science and Technology Muyuka.

Long live-The Republic of Cameroon .


God bless you all.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Learning and Teaching Information Technology Computer Skills: The VOCAST Context.


As the use of information technology increases throughout the universe, the school systems in Cameroon must keep pace. Students and teachers are therefore called upon to use more technical tools in the production of course materials and student projects. Basic skills such as using computers, from the use of email to power point presentation have become a core competency. Studies have shown that the use of computers in every level of education opens a new era of knowledge and offers a tool that has the potential to change existing educational methods. Within some schools in Cameroon, computer technology has become a fundamental part of education and will likely be more so in the future. A fundamental problem today is the effective exploitation of this resource in the educational system by teachers. Educators must be prepared for the use of this technology in classrooms because the role of teacher is now evolving from giving information to facilitator of learning. To achieve this goal, the following three basic needs have to be met by institutions such as VOCAST:


- Teachers must obtain the fundamental concepts, knowledge and skills for applying technology in educational settings. There is an urgent need for purchasing sufficient hardware and software for basic education in schools like VOCAST thus making computer and related technology part of classroom teaching activities. A laboratory to ensure student/teacher access to computers during school hours is a necessity.

- The second need is for in-service training in computer technology. The effectiveness of teachers is a determinant to educational quality. In service training is therefore important to enhance the effectiveness of teachers. Teachers need to receive training which will build their confidence so they can become capable of dealing with the latest technology.

- The final step is training students to become effective users of the internet for research. Students need to learn how to use technology to design, develop, publish and present products. They will hence use technology resources that demonstrate and communicate concepts inside and outside the classroom as they prepare for the real world.

It is therefore imperative for institutions like VOCAST to seize this opportunity by defining and implementing technology skills as a first step in assuring all graduates become proficient information technology users.

Friday, November 6, 2009

A VOSA STRATEGIC PLAN? HAVE YOUR SAY....


A strategic plan for VOSA is a framework for decisions and forward movement toward improvement of the association. It directs the work of both the association and executive as yearly goals are formed for their work, budgets  designed to support the plan, and benchmarks set to provide the ability to monitor progress and assess accountability of those mandated with implementation.

A few key components to be explored are:

1. What is the mission: A good strategic plan is driven by the purpose the assoication serves as reflected in its mission statement. The statement should be succinct and clear and a continuos point of reference in the development of the plan.

2. What is VOSA's vision for the future: An inspired statement about the primary focuses for VOSA as its designs specific implementation of the plan.

3. Objectives with defined goals: who is responsible, start date, mid point review and completion date. Once objectives are set, the program will be developed taking into consideration management/adminstration, finance and accountability.

The question therefore is - does VOSA need a strategic plan for the next 3-5 years? If so, have your say and put forth some ideas.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Cross section of Douala Chapter at the Induction of Rev. Masango


Left - Right standing: Pekoh Abraham, Nagwa Olivia, Rev. Masango, Noubissie Emmanuel, Eyong Ako, Nchia Joseph, Mojoko Raphael, Kpate Hope Tute, Ayuk Raymond Besong.

Sitting: Oben Noah, Mokube Helen, Atangwa Godlove.

A VOSAWORLD DAY: TECHNOLOGY FROM THE BANKS OF RIVER MUYUKA BY NSIKAJA

My greetings to all of you and the collective efforts of the founding fathers of our website which now enables us to reach out to old ones is great! Let them receive a 21guns salut from me and collegues of my 72 batch.

I take keen interest reading every blessed day, from vosans all over the globe on current events, scientific journals to ducumentries. How wonderful are you and how extravagant is the mercy of GOD for the (MBOMAN), the father of VOCAST! May his soul rest in peace.

The dream he had in founding what is today our alma matae, is previlleged through all of you guys to shine forever.

Like president Obama said, "yes you can". I therefor seize this opportunity to request the national president to declare the year 2010 VOSAWORLD DAY. Date and month to be decided by his exco, the natural venue being the college campus.We shall be elated to receive froim Garoua, Douala and Nsimalen airport our oldboys and girls in deaspora who will make it on the D day, coming to drum up support and beam the round tables on which conference delegates will be taking up positions.

I will be waiting to react ASAP from your various memos in this directiion. Theme proposal; TECHNOLOGY FROM THE BANKS OF RIVER MUYUKA. Also suggest price for a VOSAN with the best college anthem.The college band needs it for standing the test of time.

My regards to all of you.

Ojong Ojong

POLYTECHNICS AND WHAT THEY OFFER



The words 'Institute of technology', and 'polytechnic', are designations employed in a wide range of learning institutions awarding different types of degrees and operating often at variable levels of the educational system.

It may be any institution of higher education and advanced research or vocational education specializing in science, engineering and technology or different sorts of technical subjects. It may also refer to a secondary education school focused in vocational training.

The term polytechnic comes from the Greek πολύ (polú or polý) meaning "many" and τεχνικός (tekhnikós) meaning "arts". While the term institute of technology is often abbreviated IT, the term is not to be confused with information technology.

Although the terms 'institute of technology', 'polytechnic' and 'polytechnic college' are synonymous, the preference concerning which one is the preferred term varies from country to country.

Mechanical engineering Lab.

Phrases like "Institute of Technology", "Polytechnic Institute", "Polytechnic University", "Polytechnic College" or similar phrasing in their names probably all mean the same, and are generally research-intensive schools with a focus on science and technology. The level of academic rigor in these schools may vary.

Polytechnic colleges offer courses that are professional, technical and vocational. After graduation, graduands can often start their own businesses or get recruited into highly skilled positions.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF VOSA VISITS CAMPUS

The national president of VOSA, Mr Ngwa Raymond visited the campus on the 21/10/09 and had a working session with the manager, Mr Siple Ekerum and Mr Antoine at the end of which the following were observed:
Leaking Roof in need of repairs:

1. Some roofs are leaking: Maintainance in process
2. Total enrollment is 350 students with 200 in technical industrial and technical commercial, and the 150 students for grammar.
3. The operational workshops and disciplines are: Electrical, Mechanical, Building, Carpentary, and Home Economics. Electrical and Telecommunications are not yet operational.
4. There are enough teachers
5. Emergency requirements include:-

Computers are indispensable for today's students:1. Computers
2. Vices, filling machine, diesel engine block for the mechanical lab
3. Cables, screwdrivers, test instruments, contactors, switches, thermal relays, suckets, (male and female), molding machines etc

The high school operates with only two options namely electricity and building construction.
I do hope, this will be an opportunity for all VOSANS all over the world to react.

President:- NGWA RAYMOND
http://us.mc367.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=e-mail-ngwaraymond@yahoo.com

KOREAS EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM: A MIRROR OF EARLY VOCATIONAL TRAINING



Education, vocational training, science and technology are important domains in which Cameroon and the Republic of Korea can foster bilateral cooperation. The experience can be beneficial to Cameroon in its development endeavour. Talking to C.T. on the subject, Cho Yulrae, Director General for Policy Planning in Korea's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said, "Education and vocational training have been government's priority" which has produced the necessary manpower for labour-intensive industries from the 1960s. He said sharing experiences in education could be beneficial to Cameroon in its development drive.

It is known that education has contributed to democracy and political development in modern Korea by encouraging upward political socialization, opening opportunities to explore new fields of knowledge and sharing value systems and views about the country. Education has also played a major role in the nation's economic development by helping to produce robust manpower necessary for economic growth and facilitated the development of sophisticated industries and improved labour productivity. In the social and cultural domain, education has been instrumental in Korea's social and cultural development contributing to the formation of a modern value system and the establishment of development- oriented views.

Dr. Kin Jae-Kum, planning officer with the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said his country's educational system has what he called "a single-track 6 - 3 - 3 - 4 system" that requires six years in primary school, three years in middle school, three years in high school, and four years in university.
Education in Korea is crucial to individual success and competition is very heated and fierce. Cho Yulrae, Director General for Policy Planning with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology says the problem "results from the one-size-fits- all school system, excessive competition for university entrance exams and lack of responsibility of public education". With the advent of a knowledge-based post-industrial society where human capital and knowledge are key to growth and prosperity, Korea has adopted a new concept of human resource development. It was the reason why President Lee Myung Bak's administration in 2008 merged the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development with the Ministry of Science and Technology to enhance its synergetic effects.

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL SECRETARY: PEKOH ABRAHAM

Greetings to you all, I am Pekoh Abraham class of 1980 to 1985 first circle, 1986 to 1988 frist batch of the high school. I am a customs clearing agent in the Douala sea and air port.

I am the National Secretary general for VOSA and Douala chapter secretary.
I have been following up all the vosa world programme and have been working quite close with my vice national president, I whish to thank every body who have been participating in this programme, special thanks go to my Etta Simon for his good initiative, brother we are proud of you.

I just want to inform you guys that the present National Exco is very hard working, good and transparent. I want to inform you all, your all important mails with good informations, we are printing them your ideas are not falling on dead ears.

The present National Exco was put in place in 2006 in Muyuka, and in 2007 we held our first National Convention in Muyuka where we handed two complete sets of jerseys through the effort of one of us Ndumbe Jacop in U.S.A. We also raised more than a hundred thousand francs which we completed the new set of band that the school bought and we added some drums and other instruments which were lacking.

Limbe - site of 2nd convention

The second convention was last December in limbe were we recieved some gift of two electrical machines from Norway through one of our white friend who is interested in vosa by name Mr Jan Thoger.

The information we had in Limbe through the school representative Mr Balomog Antione was as follows, the school has two sections the technical and the grammer sections, the technical section has 200 students and 112 for the grammar section making a total of 312 students present in vocast for 2008 acedemic year. He said the technical section has the following departments Electrical, Building Construction, Motor Mechanic, Commercial, Home Economic, Accouting and Wood work. We appeal for your patience while we do findings for this present academic year, keep close to vsaworld.

Greetings to Colins chitanga,Esiginla Daniel, Fausta,Eyoung Felix, Marinus, Tanyi Dorothy an all of you.

Thanks Pekoh Abraham
National Secretary

ACKNOWLEDGING THOSE WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE: A VOSA STORY BY SIMON ETTA

Sometimes in life, we all long for someone to give us a pat on the back. An encouraging word for some efforts, even if it were many years ago. All we crave for is just a simple thank you. A thank you comes as a way for acknowledging something heartfelt and authentic without any ulterior motives behind it. An acknowledgment puts the spotlight on someone else talent, vision, thoughtfulness, hardwork, and contributions to our own success.

The truth of the matter is, in life acknowledgments are a rarity. There are many VOSANS who have inspired each of us in ways unimaginable and sometimes we cannot express. We may not simply write about them or tell others publicly. However, I wish to begin this process by pointing out one individual who in his own little way made a big difference to many of us.


Kaduna Polytechnic




As I quietly viewed the pictures of VOSANs in Douala sent by our VP Mr. Ako, I could not help to think of Mr. Nchia Joseph whom I last met a while back. I may be wrong, and I hope someone corrects me, but based on memory, Mr. Nchia was the first VOSAN to enroll at Kaduna Polytechnic. I vividly recall the pictures he sent back to campus. We all crowded and watched the tall and gigantic Kaduna Polytechnic buildings with joyful abundance. I could not help but dream of attending that famous institution. Upon gradaution at a teenage age, I eventually made the sojourn to Kaduna where I spent a month and met friends like Talishi Rudolf. In Kaduna, I fulfilled my dream of visiting the campus and planned to return for school though life will later take a different turn.


Hamdala Hotel

One beautiful evening, Mr. Nchia picked me up for a night out on his motor cycle. We drove around town and finally ended at the famous Hamdala hotel for refreshments. It was a beautiful place, glittering with lights. I was so delighted by this gesture and never wanted the eveninig to end. As the night wore down, I asked Nchia for the bathroom. He escorted me to the cleanest bathroom I have ever seen. After making some water, I did not know where to flush the toilet. I will eventually call him back to show me. In a humorous way, he spinned around, pressed a button and the toilet flushed. I still have those memories up to this moment and sometimes laugh over them.

Although, I ended up not attending KADPOLY, I strongly believe Mr. Nchia Joseph was not only a pioneer, but an exemplary humanitarian who made it easy and possible for others to attain what he may have seemingly struggled all alone to acquire. I take off my hat to him and commend this VOSAN for making a difference to many who came after him. God bless, Mr. Nchia Joseph.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM JAMES MUKETE

Hi VOSANS!

It's a welcome relief for VOSANS to unite more than ever before through this era of Information and Communication Technology. We also have added advantages for this generation to see how the World has become a global village as its widely concieved. We communicate fast and with ease.

Era of instant communications:



Some of you have made me to reflect on our old good days in school, painting the picture of Our Random Thoughts of Our Memories. Permit me please to put the caption in plural because those stories are our experiences we passed through.

We need to be honest to ourselves to answer those questions Dorothy Tanyi asked. We should take the center stage of matters concerning our Association and to stand by them feeling tall and proud about our Alma-mata. Others have begun to show their quota in Ambassadorial sacrifices. We need to sing their praises and pat their backs for the well-being of our cherished Association. May the Almighty God continue to bless them. The question I'll ask myself is, what will I do to contribute to this VOSA family. Team work divides the effort and multiplies the effect.

Team work - a VOSA spirit.


VOSANS should emulate these good jestures especially those in high positions of responsibilities. I know God cares and I'm imagining that one day our blessed mates will be riding on Chariots as Princes and Princesses of the past, not cars to make the difference. I feel proud to hear that VOSANS are excelling.

We should discourage people of double-standards, who are hypocritical. Tell them we are back to school again. What I mean here is we should include every VOSAN socially in our Van-Wagon. These are some of the ills or factors scaring those who are not well-to-do, they shy away. I would here challenge young VOSANS to come up to older mates who may not recognise them because at the time of graduation, they were too small. You all will agree with me that, its close to over three decades since we separated, interestingly we matched-up school activities with our pioneers. It will also be fun to understand that some of us have remained constants, we can no more grow, instead we are diminishing in sieze. Guys, it was quite refreshing to chat again with you all.

LONG LIVE VOSANS!!!

MUKETE JAMES
My mates of 1972/77 batch funly called me JIMMY YOUNG.
One time Senior Prefect 76/77.