Amongst ourselves as United World Ambassadors, we asked; ‘what is it that can be done practically during these moments of the COVID-19 crisis that the whole world is facing?’

In an attempt to mastermind a response, we had to focus on our country, community and above all the most vulnerable of the society. We found out that there were many things that could be done concretely, but, at the same time we had to be realistic.

During this period, the government of Cameroon already dictated that no one goes out of the house, and to a public place, without having a face mask on. And if otherwise, sanctions will be meted out to defaulters.

Given the present socio-economic situation of our country, it is very obvious that a good number of the population cannot afford to buy a protection mask.

This further expanded our understanding of the aggravated impact of the pandemic on Cameroonians, especially the underprivileged. This triggered us to realise that the crisis is a big one and therefore requires a powerful and united force in response. Not any kind of force, but a united force of like-minded compatriots who shared the same ideas as the United World Ambassadors.

Ideas of no one being left behind in moments like this and ideas of universal fraternity. This is the moment where no one has to be in need. We also felt that we were not ambassadors for ourselves but for the most vulnerable in society. We, therefore, came together with the Economy of Communion Entrepreneurs and the incubator EoC-INN hub Cameroon who are also members of the Focolare Movement and decided to produce 5000 face masks to distribute to our brothers and sisters who need these.

To make sure we try to reach our vulnerable population, we targeted orphanages, health centres in remote areas so that the patients arriving at those centres could also benefit.  We visited and distributed to Centre de Sante Social Pilote Odzon, Centre de Sante Integre de Ngoya and at la Case Orphanage Zamengoe.

The joy expressed by the beneficiaries gave us the answer to what we continuously work for.  The most important aspects were not the masks that we made for distribution, but most importantly, was the social cohesion built with stakeholders involved in the whole process. It did not stop at that level. It taught us the need to continually promote universal brotherhood and testifying that God is love.

The act could be a small gesture, in fact, a widow’s mite, but we felt the satisfaction of living the gospel. The COVID-19 crisis could be at its peak in our country right now but we are hopeful and also very cautious while taking all preventive measures but one thing remains crystal clear in our minds; “NO VIRUS CAN STOP US FROM LOVING BECAUSE WE HAVE THE ANTIVIRUS WHICH IS LOVE”.