This week we’re in Central African Republic (CAR), a landlocked country in central Africa. CAR is known for its significant mineral deposits and other resources such as uranium reserves, crude oil, gold, diamonds, cobalt, lumber, and hydro power.
When I met Jean Martial, I noticed he was a man of few words. However, I was thoroughly impressed by the thousands of lives he is transforming in his country. He is a young African leader who was born and bred in CAR. His father passed on when he was a little boy and his mother had to raise the family as a single parent.
He says his mother opened his eyes to how powerful and strong women are. Growing up, Jean witnessed enormous challenges in his country. He hated the civil war. However, he chose to focus on the potential, resources and opportunities his country offers that only seemed to exist for the high and mighty back then.
He was determined to equip himself as a young boy. His dream was to grow up and be part of decision making in his country.
Jean has a Masters degree in Telecommunications at the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon. He has worked in the Telecommunication industry for over seven years and over three years in the non-profit sector.
Jean after observing that many children did not have access to basic education, started an Association whose aim is to protect disadvantaged children and enrol them in schools. They train and equip parents in running income generating activities in order to meet the educational needs of their children.
Starting the project was not easy for Jean. He confesses no one believed him when he pitched his idea but he did not give up.
When I spoke to people about my idea, they didn’t believe in me. I didn’t give up. They now believe in the successful project that is changing many lives. Martial.
Jean is constantly looking for ways to improve his leadership skills. He says that getting selected for the competitive YALI is a true confirmation that he is transforming his community. He hopes to equip thousands of youth and help them look at Africa in a different way, a positive one.
His wish is for African youth to believe that everything in life is possible. That they should look and benefit from Africa’s Independence, education and development.
Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows that it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows that it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle when the sun comes up, you’d better be running young Africans. Martial.
In the next 10 years, Martial hopes to be part of successful African leaders who will be transforming and empowering millions of lives.
