Cricket is a new sport to me and one I have had to learn fast. One of my reasons for coming on this trip was to put myself out of my comfort zone and I have definitely achieved this on more than one occasion; coaching large groups of children, shouting ‘CONDOM’, engaging in the odd dance-off and visiting a country I’ve never been to before. It’s been a very memorable trip so far and I’m confident the second week won’t fail to disappoint. I’m sure I will have many an opportunity to refine my batting, bowling and fielding skills! My quote of the week ‘How do you say ‘good morning’ in England?’ (Kirsty)
With the end of the first week upon us, it’s time to reflect on the trip so far. My overwhelming impression has been of the warmth of the Cameroonian people, and their willingness to welcome us to their country. Second, it is really heartening to see sport playing such an important role in wider issues like women’s rights. International Women’s Day on March 8th is a public holiday for women here, but that didn’t stop dozens of women and girls from coming to our coaching session that day. Seeing boys and girls playing cricket together on such a significant day was very touching, and its great to see sport play a part in Cameroonian women achieving greater social equality. I’m really looking forward to lots more coaching this week and to learning more about this fascinating and beautiful country. Quote of the week “You are a top banana cucumber” (from Chandra) (Ben)
‘Bowling AIDS Out Of Africa’- What does it mean? At the beginning of the trip I wasn’t sure why we were here, what we want to achieve, but as the week progressed it was increasingly clear. Now at the end of week one I am sure we are heading in right the direction to deliver the message. All the boys and girls are very smart and clever, although all the messages have been received with incredible good spirit and humour. This has come through loud and clear from the survey results we have collected from each school we have worked in. I am very proud to be part of team Cameroon and CWB. I am here with five amazing people and learning new things from each of them. Highlight of the week was the children remembering my name when we were coaching the festival (Chandra)
Amazing, is the only word to sum Yaounde up. Being a Sheffield lad I am not used to the hussle and bussle that I have witnessed in Yaounde. From leading chants about condoms to seeing guys carry Nike air trainers on their heads, I liturally saw it all. You can’t go ten metres without some guy trying to sell you something pointless such as a windscreen wiper or a fire extinguisher. It’s really opened my eyes and is honestly one of the favourite cities I’ve visited. The kids are always full of energy and ready to learn and the teachers are just as keen as the kids. I’ve experienced things such as drinking compulsary wine and been stalked by the chicken of Cameroon. Our team has been brilliant and I can’t wait for the next week and our final day in Yaounde. Bring it on!! Highlight of the week was a chicken interrupting the interview with a loud CLUCK (Danny)
Bye-bye Yaounde. We were due to set off today at 6.00am to head towards Buea, our base for the next week. However the start was delayed until 7.00am. The six CWB volunteers from the UK along with four cricket coaches from Cameroon, all our bags and copious quantities of kit were rammed into, and onto, our mini bus by our driver Eric. A long drive of over six hours, during which everyone slept at some stage (other than driver Eric, I hope!) included rain, sun, clouds, fantastic vistas, ramshackle roadside buildings, ports, spectacular bridges, traffic jams, jungle, railway yards, and stops by security personnel with large guns. Eventually we arrived at our destination, checked into our new home for the next week before freshening up and heading off for coach education. “Resting bitch face” (Kirsty describing this phenomenon for the first time to Clive) (Clive)
Coach education started as soon as we arrived in Buea with just a chance for a quick change of clothes before we began. Superstar coach Danny took the lead with 16 return CWB coached and we spent time reinforcing the coaching and cricket skills here in Buea. 9 schools to coach this week in 3 days before a tournament and a well earned rest day for a simply phenomenal team mostly full of new volunteers. I cannot even explain how excellent the team have been. “I want to be a journalist, or an actress, as long as I can live in Hollywood” (from one of the girls in Yaounde) (Laura)