A Deep Dive into Critical Thinking with Dr. Jerry Yonga

Open Dreams Digital Center, Yaoundé | Inaugural Open Dreams Easter-Break Mentorship Bootcamp

On April 24, 2026, the Open Dreams Digital Center in Yaoundé was transformed into a hub of curiosity, reflection, and intellectual awakening. The occasion was a powerful session on Critical Thinking, facilitated by the insightful and thought-provoking Dr. Jerry Yonga.

From the very start, it was clear that this would not be a typical lecture. Instead, it was an invitation to think deeper, question more boldly, and challenge the assumptions that quietly shape our everyday decisions.

Dr. Yonga opened with a statement that immediately sparked curiosity:

“Tesla has no engine.”

At first glance, it seemed straightforward. But beneath it lay a powerful lesson: critical thinking is not about complexity; it is about pausing, questioning, and refusing to accept things at face value.

This set the tone for the entire session. Participants were encouraged to engage, reflect, and embrace the diversity of thought in the room. Through an interactive exercise, it quickly became evident that no two minds think exactly alike — and that’s where the beauty of critical thinking lies.

Dr. Yonga emphasized three foundational attitudes:

• Open-mindedness — embracing different perspectives without judgment

• Humility — recognizing that thinking deeply is a privilege, not a given

• Curiosity — constantly pushing beyond what we already know.

  
  

One of the most powerful themes of the session was the subtle yet dangerous nature of assumptions. Through relatable examples, Dr. Yonga challenged participants to confront the beliefs they often accept without question. One striking scenario stood out:

“You were told that only older people go for elections in Cameroon… so you assumed you couldn’t participate. But is that really true? What if you simply tried?”

Moments like this revealed how assumptions can quietly limit ambition and shape reality. The message was clear: If you don’t question your assumptions, they will define your limits.

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, Dr. Yonga delivered a timely message about the role of Artificial Intelligence in critical thinking.

His advice was simple yet powerful:

“Use the tools you have.”

But he was equally clear about one important truth — AI is not a replacement for thinking. It is a tool to enhance it.

Participants were encouraged to:

• Leverage AI to expand their thinking

• Learn how to use it effectively

• Critically evaluate the outputs it provides

  
  

In essence, technology should amplify human intelligence, not replace it.

Perhaps the most thought-provoking moment came when Dr. Yonga posed a direct question:

“If Cameroon has over 400 electrical engineers, why do we still experience power outages?”

The room fell into reflective silence.

His point was not to criticize, but to highlight a deeper issue: The challenge is not a lack of talent — it is a gap in critical thinking and application.

This was a call to action for young Cameroonians to move beyond knowledge and begin applying it thoughtfully and courageously.

Critical thinking, as Dr. Yonga explained, is also a tool for liberation — from limiting traditions, inherited beliefs, and fear.

He encouraged participants to:

• Challenge long-held norms and cultural assumptions

• Set clear goals and actively pursue them

• Use writing and reflection as tools for clarity and action

  
  

Most importantly, he reminded everyone that growth begins when we dare to question what we have always accepted.

To bring theory into practice, participants engaged in a simple yet revealing activity.

They were shown everyday objects — a pair of scissors, currency notes, a combination lock, and a fan — and asked to write down their immediate thoughts.

The results were fascinating.

The exercise demonstrated:

• How differently individuals interpret the same reality

• How quickly assumptions form in our minds

• The importance of slowing down and asking better questions

It was a powerful reminder that thinking is not automatic — it is intentional.

Throughout the session, one question echoed repeatedly:

“Why do you always assume things?”

This question became a lens through which participants began to re-examine their thinking patterns.

Dr. Yonga tied this back to the use of AI and modern tools: while we must embrace innovation, we must also remain vigilant thinkers — questioning, analyzing, and validating what we receive. That is the power of asking "Why?"

By the end of the session, several powerful lessons stood out:

• Critical thinking begins with humility and open-mindedness

• Assumptions must be challenged — always ask “Why?”

• Tools like AI should enhance thinking, not replace it

• Cameroon has the talent — what’s needed is critical application and courage

• Breaking barriers requires intentional thought, goal-setting, and action

  
  

The session engineered a mindset shift. It challenged participants to rethink not just what they know, but how they know it. In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to think critically is no longer optional — it is essential.

As the session came to a close, one message remained clear:

The future belongs not just to those who know, but to those who question, analyze, and dare to think differently.

• By Leticia Lontchi (AI-enhanced) | Open Dreams, Yaounde - Cameroon.