VALERIE TAFON

Valerie currently works with a nonprofit organization called Jeuneusses Musicales Cameroon whose goal is empowering youths through music. Previously, Valerie served as a volunteer in an Orphan home acting as their talent manager. Through these experiences, Valerie has developed a huge passion for youth leadership, and youth involvement in decision making, talent identification and management. He holds so firmly on the belief that using art to address societal ills if a highly effective approach. He believes in team building and youth involvement in decision making.

“Patience, integrity, respect and teamwork are the best way to lead”

Q: TELL US A FEW THINGS ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY, AND ALSO YOUR LIFE'S STORY!

Cameroon my country is a great place to be born. It's often referred to as Africa in Miniature due to the fact that Cameroon has a taste of everything found on the African continent. Cameroon has produced great world-class sportsmen and women and has many touristic attractions. There are 10 regions in Cameroon, two of them are former British colonies and therefore, English speaking.

I come from the North West Region from the tribe called Nso in the Grasslands. I am the only child to my parents and have lived with my mum for most of my life. I grew up around music lover and fell in love with photography at an early age. I wrote my first songs and poetry at an early age and since then my special gift in appreciation of art has only grown better. I earned a degree in Geology with a minor in Environmental sciences... From then I've grown more into the music direction and have really grown popular in my country...

I am passionate about leadership and have always held leadership positions from my early years. I'm passionate about using my art to speak up for societal ills, stir up discussions on issues that matter and for the pleasure of my followers.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD AS IT IS TODAY? AND HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE CONCEPT OF A BETTER WORLD?

The world has gradually become an isolated place, with improvements in technology, more people are very private about their lives, physical communication is becoming less and less. What makes us human is our dependence on each other. If the world advances in technology and we still are able to strike a balance with people and family time, it will make much sense...

We can build better as teams. Things like community gardens where everyone is involved is an excellent example of how people can come together for a common purpose and keep the human aspect of life going on.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY CHALLENGES IN YOUR SOCIETY?

1. Corruption

2. Mismanagement of resources

3. Exclusion of youths in decision making

4. A week educational system

Q: AS A YOUNG INDIVIDUAL WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE HURDLES THAT YOU HAD TO OVERCOME UP UNTIL TODAY?

1. Defining a path in an environment that does not support its young that much.

2. Working hard to fund my dreams, education and projects.

Q: WHY IS THE ROLE OF A MENTOR IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

It's important to have someone to guide you through life. Someone with more experience, to teach you a better way through life. A mentor helps you to be accountable and that's what I love.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A LESSON THAT LIFE HAS TAUGHT YOU AND YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Life has taught me that patience, integrity, respect and teamwork are the best way to lead. When you build these things into your character, you become a leader, because somebody will always look up to you.

Q: 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!

Jeunesses Musicalles Cameroon - A youth music network, that is nursing and mentoring young people who are interested in art.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WOMEN IN YOUR COUNTRY FACE AND WHAT EFFORTS ARE MADE TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY?

Gender inequality.

Several foundations have popped up over the years that are creating awareness and speaking up for inclusion of women.

Q: ATHENA40 IS THE FIRST EVER GLOBAL SELECTION OF THE TOP 40 WOMEN FORWARD THINKERS, COMMENTATORS, ACTIVISTS, AUTHORS, ACADEMICS, ENTREPRENEURS, EXECUTIVES, INNOVATORS. CAN YOU THINK OF A TRULY INNOVATIVE AND FORWARD-THINKING WOMAN FROM YOUR COUNTRY THAT YOU WISH TO NOMINATE FOR THE ATHENA40 GLOBAL RANKING?

NOELA LYONGA of Noela Lyonga Foundation

Q: SHARE WITH US A PHRASE, A POEM OR A STORY THAT YOU LOVE OR YOU FIND INTERESTING!

“Songversation” - This is a word I created, and I see it as my musical approach.

Q: TELL US ONE THING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM YOUR MENTOR.

She is tolerant, patient and very caring.