What if your wish came true?
As we celebrate Ocean Month, it has been amazing to reflect on all the ocean stories in the NEWF Community. And as we reflect, so too do our fellows. Observing Ashunganya Nchafac Nkemlemo Precious’ journey with the ocean and storytelling has been a beautiful example of why NEWF does what it does. Briefly reflecting on her journey, one that started last year and has gained incredible momentum, she shares her win at the Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) - shining light her film, and new energy to tackle the next season of her journey as a filmmaker.
How does Virtual Reality contribute to real life impact?
As our country emphasises the importance of digital economies, VR emerges as an excellent medium to unite people in understanding ocean dynamics without the necessity of physical presence. For a significant portion of the population, the ocean remains a source of fear. But these immersive VR experiences ignite interest and encourage to further explore and learn about marine environments. This technology not only alleviates fear, but fosters a deeper connection and appreciation for the ocean among diverse communities.
If we trusted our bodies, how far could we go?
From the ‘Brown Girls That SCUBA’ movement all the way through to ‘Black Mermaids’- African representation (throughout the diaspora) has been recolouring the recreational and professional dive industries. So, what happens when you’ve been diving just a little more for ten (10) years - would being called an athlete feel out-of-body? NEWF fellow Megan-Rose grapples with this very reality as we speak.
What does the Africa you dream of look like?
Recently, Dr.Aristide Takoukam Kamla and eight (8) prospective open water SCUBA divers from Cameroon, Ghana and Senegal were welcomed to eKhaya Storytelling and Research Centre in Sodwana Bay. From London where just on Wednesday he accepted a highly acclaimed Whitley Award for Nature, we spoke about everything from finding his purpose on the waters of Lake Ossa, to a small Weevil giving it the chance to breathe again - and how together it has paved the way for a career rooted deeply in Cameroon's coastal communities.
In Retrospect: #NEWF2024 Fellows Summit and Congress
#NEWF2024 is a whirlwind that starts our community's year and sets it on a busy course to bring ideas to life and keep the momentum created through networking, inspired dialogue and interactive learning at large. But this year was different. Word on the street is that it was our best yet - and from our side we are working towards even more positive growth.