In life, there are moments when time seems to pass at an unusually slow pace, especially when we eagerly anticipate a special day. To me, the Aviva Day was one of those days. During my time at the Open Dreams Summer Academy, I heard a lot about the heartwarming experiences my facilitators had during previous Aviva Days. The stories were so inspiring that I made a promise to myself to attend the next Aviva Day, no matter the circumstances.
My Aviva Day experience is one I would call a quite memorable and sensational experience. The day began at the Etoug-Ebe Baptist Hospital Yaounde, where we visited the Children and Maternity ward, guided by the Chaplain, the Chief Nurse and the Head of Social Services. It was heart-wrenching seeing children who are usually so full of life and joy in such fragile states. In the midst of all these, there was hope as we handed out the little gifts we brought. it was heartwarming witnessing the small moments of joy and comfort that we brought to the families facing these difficulties. The theme of the Aviva Day this year was, "Access to Quality Care Everywhere".
Following the hospital visit, we moved to the Open Dreams Center at the Yaoundé hub for the Aviva Day celebration and our Christmas Party. It was an exciting and lively event filled with memorable experiences. It was coordinated by Walters Kumo. I really enjoyed my time taking pictures and videos for the Aviva theme with the other OD pre-scholars and scholars. In his message to the Open Dreams Family, the Country Director of Open Dreams, described the organization as a "Care Institute", with care for one another similar to the care the tender ones receive at the hospitals, the only major difference being that the care at Open Dreams is collective, with everyone contributing something for the general welfare and growth of entire the family.
One of the highlights of the celebration at the Open Dreams Center was hearing from Program Facilitator, Mrs. Lingong Martha Mburli, whose heartfelt story about her exhilarating journey of accomplishment, at Open Dreams, which started in Buea at a professional development program for teachers sponsored by the US Embassy Yaoundé, taught me the importance of self-belief and going for it. She also spoke passionately of the fulfillment of attending to the babies in the hospital, who unlike adults, cannot talk to direct their parents and health personnel on where the discomfort or pain is, meaning they need holistic care.
An educative drama which was exhibited by a set of the Open Dreams scholars led by Dr. Karen Essiane Davide, taught me a lot about congenital abnormalities, the different types, causes, and how some of them could be prevented. Additionally, listening to the stories and words of encouragement from Open Dreams Scholars who had returned home for the holidays was particularly inspiring. Their experiences were a testament to the incredible work that Open Dreams does and the opportunities it creates for us young people. Among the Open Dreams Scholars who spoke were Linora Kelen, Ngwa Sandra and Precious Foncham (of Get Impeccable) all from USIU-A, Kenya.
The Open Dreams Regional Program Coordinator for the Center Region, Bill N. Agha, who excellently chaired the planning committee, provided an overview of the social impact of Aviva Week 2024, thanking the Open Dreams Family for the extra-ordinary dedication, significant financial contributions, the massive turnout and great success of the 5th edition of the Aviva Week, with social cases at the hospital resolved financially.
The Aviva Week is one of the corporate social responsibilities of the Open Dreams Family - the biggest event through which members of Open Dreams give back to the community.
The 2024 Aviva Day was a heartfelt reminder of the joy that comes from giving back to our communities, especially during the Christmas season, I am deeply grateful to Open Dreams for this spectacular experience. Can’t wait for the next upcoming Aviva Days!
Ndefru Blessing Azweh'24 | Open Dreams
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