Saturday, February 6, 2010

VOSA 2010 CONVENTION: A FAMILY REUNION.

As the sun sets in Douala in anticipation of April 10, VOSAN’s all over Cameroon and across the world will come to bill the 2010 convention as a defining moment in the association’s young history. This will be a moment for a colossal assessment of the associations plan of action Vis a Vis its raison d’ĂȘtre. Indeed, if the last two conventions were an indication of the growth of VOSA, the energy, unity and focus of the National Executive has not gone unnoticed. The current National Executive has emphasized the need for consensus through dialogue with members on critical issues of importance as well as to create a sense of participation within chapters in formulation of national policies. New chapters have also been built across the country, increased  membership in existing chapters and sensitization are just a few of the things we can all be proud of. For now, the greatest challenge we all face is to make sure the 2010 convention with all the fanfare, and hard work behind the scene by so many is a success. To better understand what this convention embodies, we may have to look at its meaning after all.


The 2010 VOSA convention will help play a role in building and promoting the socio cultural traditions and traits of our association “Unity Plus strength = SUCCESS”. It will contribute in an atmosphere of harmony and cohesion by bringing VOSANS from various parts of the globe and nation to one platform. Our earnest hope is for this setting to allow and articulate the urge of VOSANS to envisage and discuss important issues and concerns as well as encourage an approach that builds our collective character, integrity and pride for our alma-mater. It is also important that we are made to think through a collective vision, ardor and patriotism a sustainable project that will benefit VOSANS from all walks of life. This is so important because at the end of the day, the question that lingers is – what are the benefits of belonging?

The greatest benefit of belonging to VOSA is no other than being part of the family. Imagine that the face of every VOSAN is nothing other than a magic mirror. You look at a family you lived, dined, played, danced, rejoiced and even endured painful moments together during your youthful years. In this family, you see your past, present and future. According to Dan Wilcox, “I don’t care how poor a man’s life is, if he has a family, he is rich". The VOSA family makes all rich because in life, our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Indeed, most of us would give our life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted.

As we all gather in Douala, April 2010, put our arms around each other, remember the past when “excuse me dance was not allowed”,  the garri and beans of Pa Godlove, and the vision of the late Mbo man, let us make the 2010 VOSA convention a family reunion. Bring your hands to bear and contribute generously wherever you are to make the 2010 convention a success.


By Simon Etta - for the Vosaworld blog.