TwoCents

Loic Bethel Dje

Youth and Apex Performance Mentor | Initiator @ PureBreedSbe

Date

Jul 12th to Jul 12th, 2022

Similar sessions

Nimwesiga Seth

Lawyer @ Center for Health, Human Rights and Development

This Session has closed

About Loic Bethel Dje

God’s errand boy, Jesus Christ’s Junior brother Mentor at TEAM21 Academy YALI Alumni Ambassador for Water and Environmental Resources IYDC PGA, Coordinator for French Speaking Countries President of Cameroonian Students in North Cyprus Secretary General of Cameroonians in Cyprus Coordinator of African Students and Trainer at Cyprus International Students Association (CISA) He4She Ambassador and Mentor at Ladies&SDGS Africa Member, Speaker and Volunteer at The Shrewd Foundation

INTERVIEW

QUESTIONS

These interview questions were brought to you by TwoCents and Ntamugabumwe Victor

What are some of the challenges with volunteerism as a path to career development

Loic Bethel Dje

- Acceptance of the task

- Acceptance of the concept of step by step

- Acceptance of not getting what you want immediately

- Dedication to the details

- Active willingness to work out your craft

Volunteerism has nothing to do with your academic profile directly.

TwoCents

How can we forge a mindset shift to change such stereotypes

Loic Bethel Dje

No one gets to the moon without a spacecraft. A spacecraft which is build over years, and whose constructors might never use but for simulations.

Forging a mindset requires one to be confronted to the challenges, nurture skills and overcome them, experience the experiences, grow and establish a mindset.

TwoCents

What are some of the spaces such as Civil Society where youth advocacy is successful

Loic Bethel Dje

- Religious groups (mosques, churches)

- Social centres and gatherings (picnics, weddings, parties)

- Political centres, political unit

- Schools

- Clubs

Make the advocacy real and practical

TwoCents

What are some of the bench marks outside Africa that we can engineer a sound youth advocacy and volunteerism here in Africa

Loic Bethel Dje

Quite a number of advocacy groups which I can't mention. I'll list just two and in the comments, possibly lots of the group's will enhance our knowledge

UNICEF YOUTH ADVOCACY

EARTH YOUTH ADVOCATES

TwoCents

Is it possible for one to build a career starting with volunteerism in any field

Loic Bethel Dje

It would be unfair to say NO. We all are products of volunteering, from our homes, families, social gatherings...

Do you know offering a seat to guests at a gathering is volunteering? Many offered their services to get a duster for blackboards, so many day to day examples. These examples gave way to nicknames when growing.

Transpose this to Volunteerism!!

From such circumstances, friendships, partnerships, marriages, just to name a few.

Volunteerism is a huge gateway to succeeding in your career. Volunteerism, most without renumeration brings contacts, opens your mind to wider views, or even narrower ones.

One should take advantage of those to build up a career path.

Should it occur, that you volunteer in an organisation with a good stipend, your self abilities will show proof for your career development.

TwoCents

Are there any stakeholders in Africa that support youth advocacy on a large scale such as trainings

Loic Bethel Dje

I do believe a lot do, probably not always accessible on large scale or very narrow selections for large scales.

YALI, UN bodies, NGOs offer volunteering platforms.

One might consider starting with the local associations, gatherings, growing structures and so on.

This session is a result of some years of secret space volunteerism, training (all inclusive with or without certificates...)

A volunteer is recognised by their ability to serve and willingness to give in for a course.

TwoCents

What is the future if youth advocacy and volunteerism in Africa especially with the ever shrinking civic and humanitarian spaces

Loic Bethel Dje

We are humanity, we must fight and stand out grounds not to fail it.

The future of youth advocacy lies in grassroot participation of youths. Diligence and truth, integrity and morals.

Any lack is an indication of a possibility of presence. We aren't doomed, the future is bright as long as we see today as the future of yesterday, and the present of tomorrow.

Technically, the future is now. Let's build the minds, develop the youths, influence them irrespective of religion into what is genuine, pure, appréciable, loving, kind, most especially truthful (both in output and input, in dishing and reception), above all tolerance to the right things.

TwoCents

What is youth advocacy and volunteerism

Loic Bethel Dje

Volunteerism: an investment of one's availability to the progress of an idea, cause, course, project with the aim of holistic development of the society. While volunteering, the volunteer grows and develops wide range of skills, abilities and experience which makes him an asset

Youth advocacy: the full investment in mind, spirit and body for the tangible growth, progress and abilities in youths, in order to yield a balanced and successful society.

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You may copy my definitions but cite me accordingly (Loic Bethel Dje)

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This might sound as pride but it infact is, because it is a result of consistent volunteering even from the mind

TwoCents

What has been the successes of such stakeholders. Have they registered exponential success that we have seen change in the specific areas of their students

Loic Bethel Dje

These could be checked from the tangible reports and impacts of NGOs accessible through their communication means and the vicinity of action.

I'll mention the example of The Shrewd Foundation, Ghana which is very active with Streetism. You can visit their website, go to the streets and communities to receive the positive feedbacks and negative ones as well which may inspire you.

You might also want to check, Spring Up Ghana with their library projects.

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You might question why I choose Ghana and not Cameroon.

Yes, because volunteering goes beyond borders. Equally, because they are relatable and volunteering is universal.

Also, no to mention the "big dons" so you don't get a bias view

Volunteerism gives the space for everyone to invest into their society, we might be volunteering for the same purpose, same niche but different results.

Some insights from Loic Bethel Dje

Loic Bethel Dje

Stillwater, United States

Hyenas for Lambs People and Society There was once a tortoise,slow and steady, carrying gifts...

Loic Bethel Dje

Stillwater, United States

Rights or Right ? People and Society Cultured in reelsDwelling in hateAbiding in slandersLoved...

TwoCents

What are some of the mindsets or stereotypes about volunteerism especially in youth advocacy

Loic Bethel Dje

It is important to understand the ideology of mindsets and stereotypes.

A mindset is a conscious self implication of thoughts, abilities, visions and character.

A stereotype is an outward appréhension which might be consistent with ones mindset but which most often differs from it.

Youth advocacy goes beyond just a slogan to be an investment of self-will and purpose to the development of nations, people and territories through the youth(s).

1. Volunteerism is seen for many as a favour seeking periodduring which a lot of contacts are made. The aim being building a resourceful palette of contacts. Which isn't bad. This is a mindset which quickly discredits one's ability to act in full state, free from self service and seeking favours. This is a mindset to work on. It is overcome by remaining focused on being you, growing through the process and yielding benefits to the organisations and communities.

2. A mindset of "use", "exploit", "dumped". Most often on the side of the employers or vision bearers, who tend to alleviate their stress by crushing mind, soul, body and spirit of the volunteers. This amplifies point (1). It is the volunteers duty to ensure while adding value, they grow and leave in good terms.

3. Volunteerism is a gateway to fast financial statements. Not always true, not factual and never will it be especially in youth advocacy. Youths are a delicate set of people, believing the fullness of knowledge is theirs. Volunteerism in Youth advocacy requires much more investment on your part, to bring them into catching a vision and purpose for their lives, Community and future. Volunteerism is the most difficult way to be financially buoyant (remember it is part of youth depressing factor.)

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