Short feature

A heart filled with honey

As a child, Stella had enjoyed attending school in Cameroon's Ndop Plain. But because she had no sponsor, she had to drop out. 


Since learning to read, Stella has begun teaching others to read their Baba language.
(Photo: Gershom Rweye)
“I was so disturbed with my situation, that I was ashamed to be among people or to even speak among people."
Shiminyi Stella, Cameroon

During the closing program of a literacy workshop in Cameroon, a woman named Stella shared her excitement about learning to read and write her Baba language. As a child, Stella had enjoyed attending school whenever possible. But because there was no one who could sponsor her education, she had to drop out.

“I was so disturbed with my situation,” Stella told her instructors, “that I was ashamed to be among people or to even speak among people.

“While I was struggling with this sense of shame,” she continued, “I always dreamed of sitting and learning in a class. So when [I heard] there was a mother-tongue class where people can learn how to read and write, I decided to come.”

Stella said at first, she was afraid people would laugh at her.

“But today, I am sitting with teachers, and the way you people treat us, you do not [even] know who is a teacher among us. All of us are the same.”

Stella is now teaching others how to read in Baba.

“I can say that God planned this whole thing just for me because . . . those dreams that I found myself reading and writing in class have materialized today. I am so thankful to God for making me be part of this great privilege.

“My heart seems to be filled with honey.”


(Photo: Gershom Rweye)

 You can help more people like Stella through your gifts and prayers. See wycliffe.ca/ndop or sign up to pray at intercede@wycliffe.ca 


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