On Civic Engagement at the Open Dreams Graduate Summit, "Little raindrops fill a cup" - Atem Arabella

Civic engagement is more than the act of casting a ballot; it is the conscious involvement of citizens in shaping the social, political, and economic life of their communities. For Cameroonian youths, active participation in civic responsibility means becoming stakeholders in the nation’s progress rather than passive observers. Beyond voting during elections, civic responsibility encompasses activities such as volunteering in local initiatives, engaging in dialogue on national policies, participating in environmental actions, and holding leaders accountable through informed advocacy. These actions cultivate a culture of responsibility and ensure that young people play a meaningful role in strengthening democratic institutions and community resilience.

I recently had the privilege of speaking to aspiring Open Dreams Scholars at the Open Dreams Graduate School on the importance of civic engagement, and the message was clear: Cameroonian youths must take ownership of their communities and futures. The nation’s demographic landscape shows that young people form the majority of the population, and their voices, ideas, and energy are vital for addressing pressing challenges like unemployment, climate change, inequality, and social cohesion. By embracing civic responsibility, young Cameroonians not only drive change in their immediate communities but also foster unity, innovation, and sustainable development. When young people see themselves as agents of transformation, whether through mentoring, grassroots organizing, or policy advocacy, they create ripple effects that reinforce accountability, nurture leadership, and secure a brighter future for the country.

At Open Dreams, our slogan has been “It pays to apply” and indeed, it does. Our scholars also understand the wisdom that “little drops of water fill a cup.” Every action, no matter how small, contributes to lasting change. This is why we are unapologetic about leaving meaningful footprints in every community we step into. Never a day are we going to dust off our feet because a community didn't receive our presence; instead, they welcome us with open arms because of the impact we create. Our fellows have embraced the deep meaning of community engagement by giving back, while our mentors continually pour into them with the vision of raising holistic citizens who are ready to invest in their communities. Together, we are shaping a generation of Cameroonian youths who see civic engagement not as an obligation but as a pathway to transformation.

• Arabella Atem | Open Dreams