A New Voice of Guidance - Amelia Merithew at Open Dreams

On her first day at the Open Dreams Center in Yaoundé on February 21, 2026, Amelia Merithew immediately sparked curiosity and inspired many Open Dreams mentees with her energy, passion, and dedication. Her enthusiasm for student growth and learning quickly ignited the aspirations of young dreamers eager to enhance their college‑readiness and communication skills. Amelia stressed a message that resonated with everyone:

“You do not need to be perfect in the English Language. Just express yourself. It is in trying that you learn.”

She emphasized her passion for helping students succeed and highlighted the tremendous value of the work Open Dreams does, especially within the communities in Cameroon where it is deeply rooted.

Over the coming months and on a part-time basis, Amelia will volunteer at Open Dreams as one of the key voices accessible to our young dreamers, helping them build relevant college‑readiness skills, from navigating the Common App and essay writing to public speaking and test preparation, all shaped by her own experiences and expertise.

Amelia is in Cameroon through a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) — part of the Fulbright Teacher Exchanges programs of the U.S. Department of State. Through this program, she teaches English language at a school in Yaoundé, engaging with students daily while also serving as a cultural ambassador. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Amelia brings not only her classroom experience, but curiosity and a love for community engagement, from exploring local cultural sites with students to learning about Cameroonian traditions together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D5d3gAeQ90

The Special Event at the Open Dreams Center

Fulbright Teacher Exchange programs are funded by the U.S. Congress and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. They provide U.S. educators with opportunities to teach abroad, develop professionally, and build international understanding by sharing best practices in education, while also learning from host communities around the world. Educators who participate return home with enriched perspectives and renewed skills that benefit their students and schools for years to come. Each year, hundreds of educators participate in these exchanges, bringing global insights into classrooms and fostering lifelong connections between cultures.

Through programs like this, the Open Dreams community has benefited many times from the expertise, creativity, and intercultural perspectives of Fulbright Teachers from the United States who spend a year in Cameroon, deepening educational collaboration and enriching the learning experiences of students on both sides of the exchange.

This year, an Open Dreams Scholar will be joining Orbelin College, the alma mater of Amelia. This has created an even more exciting synergy, as we look forward to empowering fresh mentees. ...