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Cameroon: “The place of justice is a hallowed place” by Marc Tapsoba SJ
As Jesuits at Libermann College with its 1,400 students, are we helping to incarnate justice in Cameroon? Great is my joy to see that the educational apostolate in Douala serves the faith that seeks justice. Most of the young people being formed here come from scattered and broken families, and for them, this apostolic work in our materialistic and corrupted city is the manifestation of God’s justice. In the College there is a social affairs cell, which, with a limited budget of 3 million CFA francs (4500 US dollars), offers services to poor students. By disciplining chronic offenders, by resolving conflicts between professional colleagues and between students, and by offering spiritual direction to persons in trouble, we are also engaged in dispensing justice. The Jesuits support politically active groups like the Anti-corruption Forum and the Forum for Faith and Political Analysis, which are involved in creating political awareness regarding just and free elections in Cameroon, training poll observers, and making Christians conscious of the importance of responsible democratic action. On the occasion on the 50th anniversary of the College, the ex-alumni have chosen the biblical theme: “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much”. Critically interpreted in the light of the Gospel and the history of Cameroon, this theme shows that, while justice may not be fully incarnated here, there are many who struggle for justice, fight against ignorance, and defend the dignity of the Cameroonese people. [HL30608]
The author teaches philosophy at the Libermann College tawmaho@yahoo.fr
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