The association of first batch ex students of Saint Joseph's College Mbengwi commonly known as SAJESA99 have for the first time after 20 years held a national reunion. This took place from Friday the 25th to Sunday the 27th of January 2019 in Douala.
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| Posing for pic with one of theirs, behind the girl in red trousers now living street life. |
It was in September 1999 that the once renowned prestigious mission secondary school in Mbengwi, Momo Division, North West Region of Cameroon flung its school gates open for the maiden fortunate 115 pupils that made it in the interviews to begin pursuing secondary education. By then, the school was controlled by the Marist Brothers, a religious movement of the Roman Catholic Church until 2018 when the Marist Brothers transfered ownership to the archdiocese of Bamenda, unfortunately seemingly as a poisoned gift because the ongoing anglophone crisis has led to the complete collapse of the school. What's left are the ruining structures, no students, no teachers, no administrators.
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| Posing for Group Pic After A.G.M |
The reunion started on Friday with a holy mass at the Bonamoussadi residence of Jude Kam Ngha, officiated by Rev. Mbomnda Patrick, one of the pioneer batch ex students that was called into priesthood and followed by a barbeque.
An elective general assembly meeting took place on Saturday during which the ex students evaluated the journey covered so far, strengths and weaknesses. For strengths:
~ The alma mata once suffered from a fire incidence in 2018 that led to the burning down of two dormitories. The ex students raised hundreds of thousands and reached out to the affected students whose belongings were burnt
~ One of theirs, now living street life in Douala was once arrested and detained at New Bell prison, Douala. The association raised hundreds of thousands to free him from cell. It was the now famous Barrister Michel Ndoki that won his case.
~ The association in 2017 lost one of theirs, Ticha Sylvester Fongoh under pitiful circumstances. Even his corpse couldn't be transported back home for burial by his family because of financial challenges. The association raised close to a million and gave him a befitting burial.
~ In early 2018 when the current anglophone crisis began escalating, one of its members, a journalist, who happens to be this reporter, Fongoh p. Ayeh became wanted. He was accused of propagating false information. After going underground for three months only to later resurface and make three court appearances as the case was already about being forwarded to higher courts, the association, SAJESA99 again raised hundreds of thousands to close the case file. What transpired is a story for another day but money solved the problem.
~ Other strengths include meeting members in joyous and sad moments, having a strong bond and sense of belonging among others.
For weaknesses:
~ 115 student started the school, later one died, today not up to 40 are actively involved with the association's activities.
~ Abusive use of the association's WhatsApp group
~ Quarrels, back stabbings, gossips, accusations and counter accusations of financial mismanagements, etc
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| Rev. Mbomnda Patrick, a SAJESAN, Officiating Mass |
However, after sorting out some of these weaknesses, members resolved to turn a new leaf and commit to building a stronger and more inclusive association. The elective general assembly saw the voting into office of a new bureau, an exercise that was preceded by the reviewing of the association's constitution for amendment of some articles. After congratulating the achievements of the old bureau, the new executive council was then handed over office. It comprises of:
~ Tumi Berkisu - President
~ Dingha Pedyin - Vice President
~ Formala Peter - Financial Secretary / Treasurer
~ Fongoh Ayeh - Secretary General / Public Relations Officer
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| SAJESANs Sight Seeing at the Douala Naval Base |
Celebrations later continued in the night during which members went clubbing. They will later get up the next day and go sight seeing at the Douala naval base after which there went visiting one of theirs at Akwa.
There goes the story of a SAJESAN whose present condition is still worrisome to the entire association, name withheld. His frustrations came when he lost his parents. He dropped out of school and found solace in the streets in Douala. He was once arrested for street crimes and imprisoned. SAJESA99 contributed money and freed him. Unfortunately he went back to the streets. The association has once more taken the commitment to do all to free him from street life. Meeting him at Akwa with his colleagues, he was offered a T-shirt of the event and some money for his upkeep especially as he complained of not being sound health wise. He could still recognise almost everybody by name. He thanked the association for the so much love he's been shown all this while and wished God continues to bless all its members.
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| Having Fun |
The echoes of the success story recorded through the reunion is still very much reverberating within and without members of the association at home and abroad. Many long lost members are now regaining their way into the association. The 2020 annual reunion of the association will take place in Yaounde.
