Open Dreams Team meeting with the Parents of 2025 Pre-Scholars | Saturday, July 19, 2025, Bamenda and Yaounde - Cameroon

On Saturday, July 19th, 2025, we held a vibrant and meaningful Open Dreams Meeting with the parents of the 2025 Pre-Scholars; a gathering designed to strengthen the bond between the Open Dreams Community and the parents who play such a vital role in our scholars’ journeys.

Parents and the Open Dreams Summer Academy Crew - Bamenda, Cameroon

The meeting was coordinated by Regional Program Coordinator, Lum Blessing, Open Dreams Scholar Nforngwa Faustina, and the Coordinator of the Open Dreams Summer Academy, Njapa Albright. It began with a warm welcome and brief introductions of the team present. Parents were then invited to introduce themselves and participate in a light-hearted icebreaker, which set a warm, engaging tone for the rest of the meeting.

Blessing offered a concise overview of Open Dreams and shared the purpose of the meeting, highlighting the importance of partnership between scholars, parents, and the organization in ensuring the success of every pre-scholar.

This was followed by a panel discussion led by Blessing, featuring Faustina and Albright, during which they spoke about their journeys, how Open Dreams had supported them, and the invaluable role their parents had played in that process.

The floor was then opened for questions from parents, addressing each one in detail and providing clarity on various aspects of the program.

Next, the ODSA crew distributed the official letter to parents, walking through its content point by point and responding to any further inquiries.

A special highlight of the meeting was the introduction of the Class Representatives from the Batch of Fortitude, who briefly addressed the parents and shared their appreciation.

Following the formal proceedings, the ODSA crew invited the parents to enjoy snacks. During this time, the team screened the Open Dreams documentary, allowing parents to learn more about the Open Dreams Co-founders, the mission of the organization, and hear the inspiring testimonies of accomplished scholars from across the years.

Open Dreams Pre-Scholars, Bamenda - Cameroon

The event concluded on a heartfelt note with the Open Dreams Anthem, sung beautifully by the 2025 Pre-Scholars, followed by a moving success story shared by a parent who is also the secondary school teacher of a current Open Dreams Scholar!

The day was wrapped up with group photos, capturing the spirit of community, support, and shared purpose that defines Open Dreams. The meeting unfolded at the premises of the British Council Library Bamenda, a formidable partnership between Open Dreams and the organization, which has created a more favourable and spacious environment for the Open Dreams Summer Academy.

Parents and the ODSA Coordinating Team in Yaoundé

A similar gathering unfolded at the same time at the Open Dreams Center in Yaoundé, Cameroon under the coordination of Seka Jean-Blaise, Nteta Philip, Ngasoh Epiphanie, Akisarl Lynn-Everdene etc.

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Batch of Fortitude, #ODSA2025

Report, courtesy, Njapa Albright, ODSA Bamenda coordinator, and the Open Dreams Team