There's a well-known African proverb that, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This simple yet profound saying has always resonated with me, particularly when reflecting on the importance of teamwork and collective growth in our society. As someone who has held various leadership roles from Project Head of the Polytechnic Douala English-Speaking Students Association and a core team member of the Google Developer Student Club (POLYTECH Douala) to Regional TIC Coordinator for the Littoral Region, this quote has been my guiding light whenever I felt lost as a leader. I initially thought it applied only to serious work-related situations where tasks needed to be completed. But I recently discovered it applies far beyond that.
Last weekend, while working with the Regional Coordinator of the Open Dreams Douala Hub, we organized a "KEEP FIT" program aimed at promoting health and fitness through fun and engaging sports activities. The event, however, turned out to be more than just a fitness routine—it became a masterclass in teamwork.
We kicked off the day with a 2 km run along the Parcours Vita stretch, which is full of challenges like stair climbs and obstacle lifts. After that, participants took part in a bottle game that tested their flexibility, attention to detail and resilience. Next, we played the human knot game, where everyone had to work together to untangle themselves. Following that was a communication game in which a word was passed from one person to another, and the goal was to find out where the message got garbled. We ended the day with an exciting egg race. Teams were divided into two, and each team had to cooperate in a relay race to the finish line, with the winners receiving two eggs as their prize.
Open Dreams Summer Academy Douala
You might be wondering what all these activities have to do with leadership. Well, here’s where it gets interesting: As the day unfolded, I realized that each activity, from the running race to the egg relay, required teamwork to succeed. It was not just about physical strength or speed; it was about cooperation, communication, and trust. Each game revealed that when people work together, they naturally develop empathy for one another, ensuring that no one is left behind. This experience solidified my belief that teamwork in a fun, informal environment can create strong bonds among participants. It is in these moments that leaders can foster a sense of unity and shared purpose. A great leader, in my view, is someone who can build connections through team activities, ensuring that everyone works toward a common goal together, with no one left behind.
In essence, leadership is not just about setting goals and giving orders. It is about creating environments where teamwork thrives, and every member of the group feels valued. After all, the path to lasting success is not traveled alone, it is one we must walk side by side.
By Dinnyuy Lemnyuy Fru Angu,
Open Dreams Scholar and Peer Mentor,
Open Dreams Hub Douala
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