THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW

ATHENA & TELEMACHUS ALUMNI

NJU APONGSE ATEH

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Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings!

My name is Apongse Ateh, a passionate communicator, humanitarian, and advocate for young people, especially young girls. I come from a community where many girls struggle to find their path and opportunities to express themselves. This reality has inspired my desire to help them discover their potential, build confidence, and have a voice in society. Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a lawyer because I was passionate about speaking up for others and defending what is right. Although life took me on a different career path, I have found purpose in communication, using my voice and storytelling skills to inform, educate, and inspire change within communities. My journey has not been without challenges. I have faced numerous obstacles along the way, but through God's grace and faithfulness, I have remained resilient and focused on my purpose. These experiences have shaped my character and strengthened my commitment to serving others. I hold a degree in Mass Communication and currently serve as an intern in a radio station, where I continue to develop my skills in journalism and broadcasting. In addition, I volunteer as a Communication Assistant with a local environmental non-governmental organization, contributing to awareness and advocacy efforts on environmental and community development issues. Beyond my professional interests, I have a deep love for children and enjoy supporting initiatives that contribute to their growth and well-being. I believe that every child and young person deserves encouragement, guidance, and opportunities to thrive. Through my work and service, I hope to continue making a positive impact, giving a voice to the voiceless, and inspiring others to believe in their potential.

2. What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

One of the key challenges facing my society today is youth unemployment and underemployment. Many young people complete their studies with high hopes but struggle to find decent jobs or opportunities that match their qualifications. This often leads to frustration, financial hardship, and limited prospects for personal growth. Another major challenge is the limited access to quality education and skills development, particularly for young people and girls in underserved communities. Economic difficulties and social barriers continue to prevent many from reaching their full potential. The abuse and exploitation of young girls by adults is also a growing concern in our society. Many girls are exposed to sexual abuse, manipulation, early pregnancies, and other forms of exploitation by people who should be protecting them. In many cases, victims remain silent due to fear, stigma, or lack of support. This not only affects their education and future opportunities but also their mental and emotional well-being. As someone who is passionate about empowering young girls, I believe more awareness, protection mechanisms, and safe spaces are needed to help them speak up and access justice. Climate change and environmental degradation also continue to affect many communities, especially those that depend on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods. These challenges threaten food security and economic stability for many families. Despite these difficulties, I remain hopeful because I see resilience, talent, and determination among young people every day. I believe that through education, mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement, we can create a society where young people and girls are empowered to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

3. Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them?

I cannot say that my journey has been smooth. Like many young people, I continue to face challenges that test my strength, faith, and determination every day. There are still moments when life feels overwhelming. I have cried many times, and sometimes I still do. There have been days when I cannot afford a proper meal and days when I have to walk long distances from work to home because I do not have transport money. Many people do not see these struggles because I continue to show up, smile, and give my best. One of the biggest challenges I continue to face is financial hardship. As a young graduate trying to build a career, there are times when it feels like every day presents another opportunity to be exploited or undervalued. I work hard, but the uncertainty of not having stable employment can be discouraging. Nevertheless, I keep going because I believe that my current situation does not determine my future. Family pressure is another challenge, especially as the only girl child. The expectations placed on me can sometimes feel overwhelming. I often find myself trying to balance personal aspirations with family responsibilities, and it is not always easy. I also struggle with the fear of failure. There are moments when self-doubt creeps in and makes me question whether I am doing enough or whether I will achieve the goals I have set for myself. At times, I feel unseen, unheard, abandoned, or neglected by people I think should care. These experiences can be painful and isolating. In addition, I have experienced the loss of loved ones, and grief is something that does not simply disappear. It remains part of my journey and continues to shape how I see life and relationships. What helps me keep moving forward is my faith in God. Through every challenge, God has sustained me and given me the strength to continue when I feel like giving up. Hope keeps me going. I remind myself that every obstacle is preparing me for something greater. I also find purpose in serving others, especially young people and girls who are facing their own struggles. Although I am still walking through many of these challenges, they have taught me resilience, compassion, perseverance, and gratitude. They have strengthened my desire to use my voice and experiences to encourage others, particularly those who feel unheard or forgotten. My story is still being written, and I believe the best chapters are yet to come.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

The role of a mentor is very important to me because I believe no one achieves success alone. A mentor provides guidance, wisdom, and perspective, especially during seasons of uncertainty and growth. As a young woman navigating my career, leadership responsibilities, and personal aspirations, I often face challenges that require insight from someone who has walked a similar path. A mentor can help me avoid common mistakes, make informed decisions, and remain focused on my goals. Beyond professional growth, I value mentorship because of the encouragement and accountability it provides. There are moments when self-doubt, fear of failure, or life's pressures can become overwhelming. Having a mentor who believes in my potential and challenges me to become better can make a significant difference. I am particularly passionate about empowering young people and girls, and I understand the impact that positive role models can have on a person's life. Many young people struggle because they lack guidance and support. Through mentorship, I hope not only to learn and grow but also to become a mentor to others in the future. For me, a mentor is more than an adviser; they are someone who helps shape character, build confidence, expand opportunities, and inspire purpose. Having access to such guidance would be invaluable as I continue to pursue my personal and professional goals.

5. Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?

One of the greatest lessons life has taught me is that not every promise will be fulfilled, and because of that, I have learned to place my ultimate trust in God rather than in people. Throughout my journey, I have experienced disappointment from people I believed would support me or keep their word. While these experiences have been painful, they have taught me resilience, self-reliance, and the importance of anchoring my hope in God. Life has also taught me the value of taking action. I used to postpone certain goals, waiting for the perfect time or circumstances. However, I have come to realize that progress often begins with taking small steps today rather than constantly procrastinating and waiting for tomorrow. Another lesson I have learned is not to allow society or other people to define who I am or determine what I can achieve. As a young woman, especially in a community where women are sometimes stereotyped or underestimated, I have chosen to believe in my abilities and work hard toward my goals. I have told myself that with or without a man, I can build a meaningful life, make an impact, and stand out through my character, competence, and determination. Finally, life has taught me to think for myself and stay true to my values. People will always have opinions about how you should live your life, but it is important to know who you are, what you stand for, and where you are going. While advice and guidance are valuable, I have learned not to let other people's expectations shape my identity or limit my potential.

6. Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

One initiative I truly admire in Cameroon is the ICT empowerment work led by Armand Claude Abanda through the MIJEF 2035 project, which focuses on training young people, women, and children in essential digital skills such as computer literacy and internet use. What stands out about this initiative is its strong commitment to inclusion and its vision of bridging the digital gap by equipping even those in underserved communities with tools to thrive in today’s digital world. It is not just about training, but about opening real opportunities for independence, innovation, and career development. Beyond institutions and projects, there are also individuals whose work has deeply influenced and shaped my personal journey. One of them is Sunday Geofrey Mbofoambe, the Founder and Executive Coordinator of Support Humanity Cameroon. His work in environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and community development has impacted many lives, but what is even more significant for me is his personal mentorship. I still remember the first day I stepped into his office a few years ago, feeling confused about my career path and uncertain about my future. He spoke with me, guided me, and challenged me to stop being complacent and to take responsibility for my growth. He is one person who consistently believes in me, even in moments when I feel like I am failing. There are times when I struggle with procrastination or self-doubt, and he steps in like a father figure, reminding me of my potential and pushing me to do better. His encouragement has helped shape my discipline, confidence, and sense of direction. I am also inspired by Solange Rock, the founder of Bridging the Gap, a passionate advocate for children and young people. Through educational support, prayers, advice, and mentorship, she continues to impact lives despite limited resources. Her dedication reminds me that true service is not defined by abundance, but by commitment and consistency. In addition, I admire Mme Antoinette Gapour, the founder of Iwoman Cameroon. She is committed to empowering women and girls, creating spaces for growth, leadership, and support. Her work continues to uplift young women and encourages them to believe in their potential, even in environments where opportunities are limited. These individuals and initiatives inspire me deeply because they reflect the kind of impact I also aspire to make,empowering young people and girls, especially those struggling to find their path, and helping them discover their voice, purpose, and potential.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

In Cameroon, women continue to face several significant challenges that affect their social, economic, and personal development. One of the major issues is limited access to opportunities, especially in education, leadership, and formal employment. Although progress has been made, many young women still struggle to access quality education or are forced to drop out due to financial difficulties, early pregnancy, or cultural expectations. Another serious challenge is gender-based violence and the abuse of young girls, including sexual exploitation and harassment. In many cases, victims are afraid to speak out due to stigma, fear of rejection, or lack of trust in the justice system. This continues to silence many girls and limit their ability to fully participate in society. Women also face cultural and societal stereotypes that often define their roles in narrow terms, limiting their participation in decision-making spaces. In some communities, women are still expected to prioritize household roles over personal development or leadership ambitions, which affects their confidence and opportunities for growth. Despite these challenges, there are growing efforts toward gender equality in Cameroon. Various government policies, civil society organizations, and grassroots initiatives are working to promote girls’ education, empower women economically, and raise awareness about gender-based violence. Programs focused on vocational training, ICT empowerment, and entrepreneurship are helping many young women gain skills and independence. Additionally, advocacy campaigns and community-based organizations continue to create safe spaces where women and girls can speak out, receive support, and access guidance. There is also increasing awareness about the importance of including women in leadership and decision-making processes. While challenges still exist, these efforts give hope that with continued commitment from individuals, communities, and institutions, gender equality can be strengthened and more women and girls in Cameroon will be empowered to reach their full potential.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by.

My motto is: “I grow through every challenge and use my voice to create impact for others.”

9. If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do?

If I had all the resources needed to launch the project of my dreams, I would establish an organization called “Discover Your You.” This initiative would be open to young girls, boys, and children from all backgrounds, cultures, and religions. Its main focus would be to help them discover their identity, purpose, and value in society, starting from the foundation level. Through structured mentorship and training, we would guide them on self-worth, personal growth, maturity, ethics, and purpose. The program would also include career orientation and skills development to help young people understand their strengths, make informed choices, and prepare for meaningful futures. Beyond personal development, the organization would support participants in gaining practical opportunities, including job guidance and empowerment pathways, so that they are not only inspired but also equipped to become independent and responsible members of society. At the heart of “Discover Your You” is inclusivity and respect. It would be open to everyone regardless of religion or background, creating a safe space where young people can learn, grow, and be shaped into confident individuals. I already have a presence online through a Facebook page and a WordPress blog where I share content on issues affecting young people and community development. However, one of my current challenges has been consistency and the need for more structured guidance to help me grow and better organize my work. Despite this, I see these platforms as the beginning of something bigger. They reflect my passion for communication and my desire to use digital spaces to inform, inspire, and empower others, especially young people and girls. I am currently working on improving my consistency, discipline, and content strategy so I can maximize these platforms and reach a wider audience with more impact. My vision is to raise a generation of grounded, purpose-driven young people who understand their value, respect others, and positively impact their communities.

10. How is technology utilised for social impact in your country? For example are there mobile apps that support gender equality, inclusion, understanding of cultures?*

In Cameroon, technology is increasingly being used as a tool for social impact, especially in areas such as education, youth empowerment, civic engagement, and awareness creation. One of the most visible ways technology is making an impact is through mobile phones and social media platforms. Many young people and organizations use Facebook, WhatsApp, and other digital platforms to share information, raise awareness on social issues, and promote community initiatives. These tools have become powerful in amplifying voices that would otherwise not be heard, including those of young women and marginalized groups. There are also emerging digital initiatives and platforms focused on education and empowerment. Some programs and organizations use online learning tools and ICT training platforms to equip young people and women with digital skills, helping to bridge the digital divide and improve employability. These efforts contribute indirectly to gender equality by giving more girls access to skills that were previously limited. In addition, mobile-based solutions and community tech projects are being used in areas such as health awareness, agriculture, and civic participation. Although some of these platforms are still developing and not widely known, they reflect a growing trend of using technology to address social challenges and improve inclusion. However, access remains a challenge in some rural and underserved communities due to limited internet connectivity, cost of data, and lack of digital literacy. This means that while technology has great potential, there is still work to be done to ensure equal access for everyone. Overall, technology in Cameroon is gradually becoming a strong tool for social change, especially when combined with education, advocacy, and community engagement. It is creating new opportunities for young people to learn, connect, and contribute to development in innovative ways.

11. Anything else that you may wish to add?

I would like to add that my journey so far has been deeply shaped by both challenges and purpose. Everything I have experienced has strengthened my passion for using communication as a tool for change, especially in empowering young people and girls who feel unheard or limited by their circumstances. I am still learning, growing, and improving, especially in areas like consistency, structure, and leadership. However, I remain committed to becoming a better version of myself and using every opportunity to create meaningful impact in my community. Above all, my faith in God remains my foundation, and it continues to guide my decisions, sustain me through difficulties, and remind me that my story is still unfolding. I am hopeful about the future and determined to keep building, learning, and serving with purpose.