By Mboh Promise
In a country where journalists often work under precarious conditions, battling poor pay, limited recognition, and growing threats to their safety, solidarity becomes more than a virtue – it becomes survival. This spirit of compassion, unity, and philanthropy is evident in the Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ, which honours the legacy of their deceased members by extending a helping hand to their children.
Through a recent back-to-school initiative launched in September, the association disbursed close to two million Francs CFA to support 22 children of 10 deceased journalists across five of its chapters nationwide. Each child received 75,000 FCFA to assist with school fees, books, and other educational needs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
It may not sound like much in economic terms, but for families left behind by men and women who dedicated their lives to informing the public, often with little financial security, it is a grand gesture indeed. It is a message that says: you are not forgotten.
At the heart of this initiative is CAMASEJ National President, Viban Jude, a man whose words reflect a deep understanding of the sacrifices journalists make and the collective duty to honor their legacy.
“One of the missions of our association is solidarity. When a member is sick, arrested, or in distress, we step in. But this time, we decided to go beyond that, by reaching out to the families of our deceased members. These colleagues contributed to the growth of our association, and their families should not be left behind,” Viban explained.
CAMASEJ’s leadership went chapter by chapter, identifying the orphans of their late members through a careful verification process to ensure that every genuine case was covered. The funds were distributed through chapter presidents, ensuring utmost transparency.
Stories of Gratitude
In Bamenda, chief town of the North West Region, three children of the late journalist Manaseh Vubansi, a sharp pen known for his courage and clarity, received support through their aunt and guardian, Gemuh Beltine. Manase passed away in 2023 after a long illness, leaving behind children in the university, lower sixth, and form five.
“The money came at the right time. It’s a relief. The children were very happy when we received the money. I have already paid their school fees. I will keep doing my best to ensure the children stay in school and make the association and their late father proud.” Gemuh said.
In Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, the family of the late ace journalist and publisher of Chronicle Newspaper, Mbah Eric Motomu, who used to practice in Bamenda, also benefited. His sister, Sama Edith, received the funds on behalf of his two children. Her voice trembled with emotion as she expressed gratitude to the association.
“Dear brothers and sisters of this noble profession, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to you for stretching your arms to assist the two orphans left behind by the late Chronicle-Motomu. We received the package just when I was seeking divine help. I can testify that God answered my plea through this family,” Sama said.
These are not just donations. They are lifelines, threads of hope connecting the living to the legacy of those who once fought for truth in a difficult media landscape.
The same initiative has been carried out in other chapters of the association in towns like Kumba, Buea, and Douala.
Journalism in Cameroon: Noble Work, Harsh Realities
Cameroon’s media environment, particularly for English-speaking journalists, remains one of the most challenging in Africa. The country ranks low on the World Press Freedom Index, reflecting a climate where reporters face censorship, intimidation, and even violence, especially in the conflict-hit North West and South West regions.
Many journalists who work with private media earn less than 50,000 FCFA ($80) a month, barely enough to survive, let alone save for emergencies or secure insurance. Few have access to health coverage or pension schemes. When a journalist falls ill or dies, families are often left in despair, forced to rely on goodwill for survival.
In this context, CAMASEJ’s initiative becomes more than charity. As many rightfully said, it becomes an act of resistance. It is a testament that despite the shrinking civic space, the media community can and will look after its own.
“The economy of the media is not the best. You can imagine how difficult it is for the spouses or guardians of these children left behind. So, even in a modest way, we said, let’s support their education. Some might one day grow up to be journalists themselves,” Viban admitted.
CAMASEJ’s gesture reflects a philosophy that has guided the association since its founding in 1992, that journalism, at its core, is a public service rooted in empathy. Over the years, the association has been at the forefront of not just advocating for media rights, but also providing tangible support to its members in distress.
From hospital bills to legal aid, Viban notes that CAMASEJ has consistently stepped in when journalists faced arbitrary arrests or financial hardship. The back-to-school initiative, however, takes that solidarity a step further by reaching beyond the grave to honor the families of those who once served the cause of truth.
“We’re not only showing solidarity to members who are still with us. We’re extending it to their families because their parents contributed to this profession, to this association. It’s our way of extending their legacy.” Viban emphasized.
Importantly, CAMASEJ is not treating this initiative as a one-off event. Viban added that the leadership is developing a Relief Fund, a structured, and institutional mechanism that ensures sustainability and continuity, even as leadership changes over time.
“We want to make it institutional. It shouldn’t depend on one executive. Even if tomorrow we are no longer here, the system should continue. The project is written out clearly, transparently, and designed to attract support from philanthropists and partners.” Viban said.
The National president revealed that the association has already received interest from private donors willing to contribute quietly. For them, the proof of transparency and the visible impact on children’s lives serve as motivation to give.
Beyond Money: Mentorship and Legacy
CAMASEJ’s vision does not stop at financial aid. Viban spoke passionately about plans to bring the children of deceased journalists together not just to receive support, but to feel part of the extended CAMASEJ family.
“We would like in the future to commune with these kids. Let them meet people they’ve seen on TV, interact with their parents’ friends and colleagues. They are our extended family, and we want them to know that.” he said.
This long-term vision highlights that compassion is not only about giving, but also about belonging. The goal is to ensure these children grow up knowing that their parents’ work mattered and that their professional family stands by them.
A Beacon in a Fragile Media Landscape
The gesture comes at a time when Cameroon’s media sector is under increasing strain. Journalists face arrests, threats, and intimidation, particularly those reporting on governance or the Anglophone crisis. Several have lost their lives in the line of duty, while others languish in detention.
Yet, amid these hardships, CAMASEJ continues to advocate for professionalism, ethical reporting, and better working conditions. The association has plans to revive the CAMASEJ Awards, an initiative aimed at recognizing journalists who continue to uphold excellence despite the odds.
“Sometimes we focus too much on the bad examples. But some journalists are making a real difference. We must hold them up like a torchlight to inspire others and to remind society that journalism still matters,” Viban noted.
The back-to-school gesture may appear modest in numbers, but its symbolic weight is profound. In a country where many journalists operate in isolation, where institutional support is scarce, and where the death of a breadwinner can easily plunge a family into despair, this initiative is said to restore faith both in humanity and in the profession itself.
It reminds the public that journalists, too, have families and dreams and that their service deserves dignity, even in death. It also serves as a quiet challenge to other professional associations and public institutions in Cameroon: that solidarity should not end when the cameras are off, or the headlines fade.